Pochettino snubs United interest to sign five-year Tottenham contract

Mauricio Pochettino has signed a new five-year contract at Tottenham to end speculation over his future.

The 44-year-old left Southampton to take charge of Spurs in May 2014 and has now agreed fresh terms, tying him to the club until 2021.

After Tottenham finished fifth in his first season, Pochettino will secure a second-place Premier League finish with at least a point in their final match of 2015-16 at Newcastle United.

The ex-Espanyol boss was linked with replacing Louis van Gaal at Manchester United – speculation fuelled by a recent meeting with former Old Trafford manager, and current director, Alex Ferguson – but he has now signed a contract that he announced was agreed last month.

“I could not be happier to sign this new contract,” said Pochettino. “It was an easy decision for my coaching staff and I because we can feel the appreciation of everyone here - there is no better place to be right now.

“The supporters are unbelievable, we have assembled a great group of players with huge potential that can get even better, while the facilities we have to work in are world-class.

“We also have an incredible new stadium to look forward to and now we are determined to build a side worthy of playing in such an exciting new venue.

“We have enjoyed a great season and we believe this is just the beginning. We have a long-term project and huge belief that we can achieve something big here for the future.

“This club has all the ingredients to continue to challenge at the very top in both the Premier League and in Europe and we want to be here to be a part of what I believe will be a special period in the club’s history.”

Tottenham chairman Dnaiel Levy was thrilled to tie down Pochettino with fresh terms.

He said: “We have seen Mauricio bring a tremendous spirit and ethos to our club and embrace the attacking style of play with which we have always been associated.

“He has built a squad of youth and experience and this season we have seen football played at the highest level - quite sublime at times.

“Everyone at the club is delighted he has agreed an extended contract and we all look forward to working with him in the coming seasons. I know he is as ambitious for our club as we all are.”

Spurs have also agreed new deals with members of Pochettino’s coaching staff Jesus Perez, Miguel D’Agostino and Toni Jimenez.