Tottenham Hotspur believe Real Madrid pose a bigger threat than Manchester United in their fight to hold on to manager Mauricio Pochettino.

And, as they battle to keep Pochettino, Spurs have taken a major gamble on the future of Toby Aldeweireld by deciding to extend his contract for a further year, despite a clause that states the defender can leave for £25million in the summer until 14 days before the transfer deadline.

United passed up the opportunity to sign Aldreweireld ahead of this season, but have made Pochettino their number one target to succeed Jose Mourinho as their next permanent manager.

The Old Trafford club are prepared to pay a world record compensation fee to try to tempt Spurs and are hopeful they could convince Pochettino to take on the biggest job in English football.

But sources close to the club claim Tottenham believe Real are a bigger threat to their hopes of keeping Pochettino if the La Liga giants choose to make another managerial change at the end of the season.