Tuesday 16 February 2016 17:22, UK
Mauricio Pochettino will stay at Spurs despite links to Chelsea and Manchester United, according to Tottenham legend Gary Mabbutt.
Mabbutt, who played over 500 times in a 16-year career at White Hart Lane, is convinced Pochettino will continue developing the young side he has put together this season.
Tottenham lie second in the table, just two points off leaders Leicester, with 12 matches of the campaign remaining and Mabbutt believes their 55-year wait for a top-flight title could be over come May.
"I am convinced Mauricio would turn down any advances from Manchester United or Chelsea," said Mabbutt, who was capped 16 times by England.
"I'm sure he sees this squad of players and what is happening at Tottenham on and off the field and realises these are very exciting times for the club. Those people saying he might get tempted away, I would say to them when was the last time Totttenham had a very good chance of winning the title?
"Probably 50 years ago. We came third in the league during my time but this side now has that ability to do it, not just this year, but for years to come."
Mabbutt admits Spurs have failed to keep their major stars in recent years but insists Pochettino is turning the club into one where players now want to be.
"We have had players who have left for what they have seen as bigger clubs," he said. "But if you look at Tottenham now, the opportunities that are going to arise over the next few years are going to be immense.
"Chelsea and Manchester United might not even be in the Champions League next year - the usual suspects were expected to challenge for the title but those teams haven't stepped up to the mark.
"What I like about Mauricio is he is a very private person but he has embraced everything that is part of the club and the history. After the City match I saw him hugging the players and applauding the fans, it shows he knows how important it is to everyone connected with the club."
