Tottenham are more afraid of losing Mauricio Pochettino to Real Madrid than Manchester United, according to the Irish Independent.
The Argentine has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford in the summer following the dismissal of Jose Mourinho earlier this month.
United are understood to be willing to pay a world-record compensation fee to tempt the 46-year-old to the north west, but could face competition from the European giants for his services.
Spurs are determined to hang on to their manager, but sources close to the north London club suggest that they are more perturbed by the interest coming from Spain than they are by that of their Premier League rivals.
The growing concern is that United’s interest could force Real to make a move in the immediate future, as opposed to waiting for a better opportunity to present itself.
OPINION
Pochettino seems fiercely loyal to Tottenham, but he wouldn’t be human if he wasn’t tempted by offers from two of the biggest clubs in world football. His profile has continued to rise as Spurs have battered their way back into the title race, and it is no surprise that giants are beginning to circle. There is of course no guarantee that the Argentine will leave London at the end of the season. He has started something special at Tottenham and is closer than ever to seeing his work come to fruition, and if Spurs can win a trophy this season, it could be enough to convince him to stay put. Similarly, his dedication to the club could throw a spanner in the works for United’s bid to sign him. It would be no surprise if Pochettino turned down an immediate move to another Premier League side out of respect for his current employers, and for that reason, Real present a much realer and likely threat.