Mauricio Pochettino: Tottenham have made the Argentinian their main target

Tottenham are in advanced talks to make Southampton boss Mauricio Pochettino their new manager and could appoint him within 48 hours, according to Sky Sports News’ Jim White.

The 42-year-old Argentinian has emerged as chairman Daniel Levy’s principal target and is considered to have been his preferred choice since Tim Sherwood was sacked after the final game of the season on May 13.

Spurs have looked at other targets, most notably the Holland head coach Louis van Gaal prior to his appointment at Manchester United, as well as the current Ajax boss Frank de Boer.

But it appears they have been most impressed with former Espanyol head coach Pochettino, and business is now underway to confirm him as Levy’s 10th manager since taking control at White Hart Lane in 2001.

Pochettino, installed as Southampton boss in January 2013, has been hailed for having masterminded their rise from the bottom six of the Premier League to candidates for European qualification this season.

He has also been heralded with significantly aiding the development of England internationals Luke Shaw, Adam Lallana and Jay Rodriguez, as well as successfully integrating Saints' academy players Calum Chambers and Sam Gallagher into the first team.

Tottenham's aim is for their next manager to get the best from a squad that had over £100millon worth of investment last summer and also see a number of encouraging youth players graduate into the first team.

Pochettino, who has one year left on his contract at St Mary’s, described the conclusion of his side's season as “the end of a project” but Southampton have been determined themselves to get their manager to sign a new deal.

Saints midfielder James Ward-Prowse recently stated it would be a “major blow” to lose Pochettino.

“All the players love him,” he said. “He has helped me technically and physically and is a fantastic manager.”

Striker Rodriguez also said recently: “He is unbelievable. I love playing under him."