Mauricio Pochettino a ‘shock candidate for Athletic Bilbao manager job with ex-Tottenham chief facing PSG sack’

MAURICIO POCHETTINO has become a shock managerial target for Athletic Bilbao, according to reports.

The former Tottenham manager is set to be relieved of his duties at Paris-Saint Germain following an end-of-season meeting last week.

This has led to speculation of where he could end up, with Bilbao providing the latest potential destination for him.

However, this will depend on Ricardo Barkala being elected into the position of Athletic Bilbao club president.

Barkala wants to reunite Pochettino with former Spurs and Espanyol sporting director Ramon Planes at the club if he is elected, according to the .

The Basque club, who only recruit players either born in the Basque region or who have learnt their skills there, will be without a manager after parting ways with Marcelino who will be joining Valencia.

Pochettino himself is expected to be replaced at PSG by former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane.

Poch won the Ligue 1 title last season, but also oversaw a disappointing Champions League campaign as they crashed out in the round of 16 to eventual champions Real Madrid.

Before the appointment of Erik ten Hag, Pochettino had also been extensively linked with the vacant position at Manchester United.

The fate of Bilbao's on-field play will likely depend on the outcome of their presidential elections.

FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS - BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS

While Barkala is the favourite to win, rival candidate Inaki Arechabaleta will appoint former Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa if he is successful.

The elections to decide the future of the club will take place on June 24.