Sir Alex Ferguson has hailed Mauricio Pochettino as 'the best manager in the Premier League', according to Labour MP for Tottenham, David Lammy.

The former Southampton boss has led Spurs above rivals Arsenal to second in the table, five points behind surprise leaders Leicester.

And with the title now in Tottenham's sights, Ferguson has revealed his admiration for Pochettino and the work he has done at White Hart Lane since the summer of 2014.

Mauricio Pochettino (right) has led Tottenham to second place in the Premier League and above rivals Arsenal

Kieran Trippier (centre) applauds the home fans at White Hart Lane after scoring the winner against Watford

Sir Alex Ferguson rates Pochettino as 'the best manager in the Premier League', according to David Lammy

Speaking on The Spurs Show podcast, Lammy said: 'I'm going to let you into a secret.

'About six weeks ago, I sat next to Sir Alex Ferguson at a dinner in support of grassroots football abroad. He said to me, "I think you guys have got the best manager in the Premier League". Alex Ferguson said that.'

Ferguson, who won 13 Premier League titles with Manchester United, still has a say on decisions at Old Trafford after becoming an ambassador following his retirement in 2013.

He has long been an admirer of Jose Mourinho, who has confided in close friends that it is a 'done deal' he will take over from Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal this summer.

Sportsmail revealed last week that the Portuguese was on the brink of getting his dream job after opening talks with officials a little over a month after being sacked by Chelsea.

Pochettino has also been linked with the United hotseat, but he insists he wants to stay at Tottenham and 'create a legacy' in north London.

Speaking last month, Pochettino said: 'Always my decisions are for the present but for the future, too.

Labour MP for Tottenham, David Lammy (above), spoke with Man United legend Ferguson at a charity dinner

Trippier converts a Dele Alli cross to give Spurs a 1-0 win against Watford and send them into second place

Jose Mourinho, pictured in Berlin last weekend, has told friends he will replace Louis van Gaal this summer

'Always I try to work so if one day I am not here to create the legacy, my responsibility is to work not only for the present - to get quick results - but to try to create the future.