Mourinho has a big contract at Old Trafford but failure to be in the Champions League could make shafting the out-of-favour Portuguese a whole lot easier

Manchester United are reportedly willing to pay up to £40million to make Mauricio Pochettino the next Old Trafford boss.

The Red Devils’ top brass are said to agree the Tottenham manager is the only contender to replace the out-of-favour Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford next summer.

United are eighth in the Premier League table – 18 points off leaders Manchester City.

3 United are eighth in the Premier League table – 18 points off leaders Manchester City

Mourinho has been under all kinds of pressure this season for United’s inconsistent performances as well as for off-field issues, including his training ground spat with Paul Pogba.

However, his saving grace has been that it would be too expensive to sack him.

But according to The Sun, there is a clause in the Portuguese’s contract that means it will cost United less to sack him if they are not in the Champions League.

They are ready to do battle with Real Madrid for Pochettino, 46, and despite the current turmoil, United believe they can sell the Argentine a more attractive proposition.

Pochettino reportedly turned down the United job before Mourinho was hired in 2016.

3 Pochettino reportedly turned down the United job before Mourinho was hired in 2016

United have done business with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy in the past when they bought Michael Carrick and Dimitar Berbatov in 2006 and 2008 respectively.

Pochettino is determined to lead the north London club into their new stadium in the New Year and signed a five-year, £8m-a-season deal just last summer.

It is understood he turned down the United job in 2016 when they relieved Louis van Gaal of his duties but that has not put off executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward.

The 20-time league champions are already 18 points behind leaders Manchester City in the table.

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Meanwhile, Spurs have finished in the top four in three successive seasons under Pochettino, who joined them from Southampton in 2014.

However, Pochettino has spoken publicly about Spurs’ need to invest in fresh blood which was not given to him last summer after Spurs failed to recruit a single player in the transfer window.

Pochettino could well have a choice of United or Real Madrid next summer.

3 Pochettino could well have a choice of United or Real Madrid next summer

"I like Jose, I love his record… he is a winner." Watch as Alan Brazil passionately explains why he will ALWAYS defend Mourinho. pic.twitter.com/sWOKxOt1zS — talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) December 6, 2018

Mourinho’s agent, Jorge Mendes, has come out fighting and defended his client in response to suggestions he could lose his job.

In a rare statement, Mendes said: “There have been more rumours of Jose Mourinho leaving Manchester United. It’s totally untrue.

“Jose is very happy at the club and the club is very happy with him.

“He has a long-term contract with Manchester United and is fully committed to the club in building a solid winning project.”