Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino has asked to be released from his contract at the Parc des Princes, just five months after joining the club.
Pochettino was brought in to replace Thomas Tuchel back in January, but their failures in Ligue 1 and the Champions League saw rumours of his potential unhappiness in Paris start to swirl, despite success in the Coupe de France and Trophee des Champions.
We then saw reports suggesting Pochettino and PSG director Leonardo aren't exactly best friends these days, followed by the news that both Tottenham and Real Madrid had spoken to the Argentine over possibly joining them this summer.
Pochettino is understood to be interested in both opportunities, and now things have gone one step further as Goal, who were among the first outlets to report on Real's interest in the boss, has asked to cut his time in Paris short.
There's no guarantee, however, that PSG will grant Pochettino's wish. He still has one year remaining on his contract and the French side are reluctant to fire another manager, particularly one who hasn't had an entire season to build his side.
Pochettino has made his desires clear but will respect whatever decision PSG decide to take. If Leonardo does not want to lose him, Pochettino will happily stay as he still loves the club from his playing days and recognises just how desirable the PSG gig truly is.
However, the fact that he has asked to leave suggests he is focused on joining either Real or Tottenham this summer. Real appear to be monitoring the Argentine closest, but they are eager to avoid doing anything wrong which could harm their chances of signing Kylian Mbappe this summer.
Los Blancos will sit back and let Pochettino come to them, safe in the knowledge that the boss knows just how wanted he is at the Bernabeu.
Spurs have no such concerns and have repeatedly reached out to Pochettino, for whom they are planning imminent formal discussions with PSG, in the hope of convincing the 49-year-old to return to London and finish the job he never had the chance to complete.
Pochettino has one year remaining on his contract and is unlikely to be allowed to leave for free, but his expiring deal means PSG may choose to part ways with their boss in exchange for a compensation fee.
For more from Tom Gott, follow him on Twitter!
Source : 90min