Mauricio Pochettino has signed a new five-year contract as manager of Tottenham.
Pochettino confirmed last month that he had reached a verbal agreement on the deal, thought to be worth £5million a year plus bonuses, to last until the summer of 2021.
The retention of Pochettino will be a relief to Tottenham supporters, who have watched their team record their highest finish in the Premier League era this season.
Pochettino’s credentials have been examined closely by Manchester United as they consider whether to replace Louis van Gaal at the end of the season. And Pochettino was this week photographed with Sir Alex Ferguson after the pair had lunch in central London.
But Spurs insist Pochettino, 44, told them about the meeting in advance and the club were relaxed about the encounter. With Pochettino now having agreed new terms, he and Spurs can look ahead to the summer.
Commenting on his new deal, Pochettino said: “I could not be happier to sign this new contract. 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.
Unless Arsenal beat Aston Villa by a huge margin, a draw at Newcastle on Sunday will be enough for Tottenham to finish second - the first time in 21 years they would have ended a season above their north London rivals.
With Pochettino at the helm, Spurs have developed a reputation as the best young team in the country. The average age of the starting XI has often been less than 25 and England players such as Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Eric Dier have all improved under the Argentine’s guidance.
Dier, meanwhile, admits Tottenham’s failed title challenge has taken its toll on the players’ minds.
Tottenham have been in close pursuit of Leicester for much of the season but draws against West Brom and Chelsea meant the Foxes were crowned Premier League champions.
Mauricio Pochettino's best results as Tottenham boss
Dier said: “It’s been a tough last couple of weeks with the draws against West Brom and Chelsea and I think that hurt us mentally. We’ll pick ourselves up and look to get the right result at Newcastle. We want to go there and win.”
