Mauricio Pochettino explains why he's extending his contract at Tottenham Mauricio Pochettino explains why he's extending his contract at Tottenham

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino has verbally agreed a new five-year contract with Tottenham.

The Argentine has been a huge success since arriving at White Hart Lane in 2014, steering Spurs to fifth in the Premier League and the Capital One Cup final in his first season before masterminding their title challenge this campaign.

That success has led to speculation he could be tempted away from north London, with Manchester United and PSG touted as potential destinations, but after opening talks with chairman Daniel Levy several months ago, he is now ready to sign a deal which would keep him at the club until 2021.

"It was an easy decision when you feel the love of the people and the potential of the club is massive, so why change?" he said on Friday.

"We create a good atmosphere on the training ground and I think we can achieve big things in the future. I believe in this project and this club. I want to stay here.

"We have not signed yet but we have reached the verbal agreement to stay here for the next five years. When will we sign? Maybe tomorrow [Saturday] or on Tuesday, it depends on my lawyer.

Pochettino has masterminded Spurs' title challenge this season

"It is a good moment to tell you, for all to know that my future is here. I am very happy. It is for many reasons I stay."

Spurs are due to move into their new 61,000-seater stadium in 2018-19 and Pochettino hailed a bright future for the club.

"Tottenham have unbelievable potential. We created after two years here a great group of players," he added.

Pochettino says Spurs have 'massive' potential

"We have a very strong squad, young, with potential to be a top team. The staff and the supporters are unbelievable, there is massive potential, why not stay here?"

Pochettino took over with Spurs in turmoil after the 2013/14 season, which saw them sack Andre Villas-Boas in December 2014 before Tim Sherwood took over in a tumultuous short spell.

Pochettino will be contracted to Spurs until 2021 when he signs the deal

After losing to Chelsea in the Capital One Cup final at Wembley, Pochettino initiated a summer clear-out in 2015, with Emmanuel Adebayor, Roberto Soldado, Aaron Lennon and Paulinho all leaving the club.

Mauricio Pochettino thinks comments he made about wanting to manage PSG were blown out of proportion Mauricio Pochettino thinks comments he made about wanting to manage PSG were blown out of proportion

New signings Toby Alderweireld and Dele Alli have since both proved instrumental in Spurs' superb season and although Monday's draw at West Brom means their title challenge is finally fading, they look set to return to the Champions League in their final season at White Hart Lane before they spend a year away while the ground is redeveloped.