Tottenham in Mauricio Pochettino blow as Real Madrid brace for Carlo Ancelotti exit to Brazil

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has been tipped to become Brazil's new head coach, in a possible blow to Tottenham's hopes of re-appointing Mauricio Pochettino.

The Selecao have been without a permanent boss following Tito's exit after the World Cup, the head coach paying the price for a disappointing quarter-final exit in Qatar. Ramon Menezes is in interim charge for the upcoming international break.

The Brazilian FA issued a statement in February denying a verbal agreement with Ancelotti, who is under contract at Real Madrid until 2024, had been reached.

But Brazil and Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson believes there is "a big possibility" that Ancelotti is appointed having spoken with Madrid's Brazilian players who play under the Italian, including Casemiro, Vinicius Jr and Eder Militao.

"What I've been told about him is that he's an exceptional coach, that everyone in the group likes, he's a guy who has a very successful career, just look at his CV," Ederson told reporters. "We will see in the near future if he will be here or not.

"I hope we can have a new coach quickly. I feel the anticipation too because there's too much speculation. Is it a Brazilian or a foreign coach? We are also living in a phase of anxiety."

Should Ancelotti be appointed, Real Madrid have been linked with reviving their interest in Pochettino, who they have twice previously failed to lure to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Spurs are widely expected to be on the lookout for a new permanent manager as early as this week, with Antonio Conte on the brink following a remarkable outburst at his players. Ryan Mason will likely take temporary charge, allowing Spurs to assess more options at the end of the season.

Pochettino remains a fan favourite for his achievements during his time in north London, though it remains to be seen if the Argentine and chairman Daniel Levy are open to a reunion.