Saints are understood to have received no approach from Benfica for Mauricio Pochettino, after a report emerged that the Portuguese side had offered him a deal to become their new coach.

The future of Benfica’s current boss, Jorge Jesus, beyond this summer has been a matter of some doubt, and it was said that Pochettino had been asked about taking over at the Estádio da Luz.

However, the Daily Echo understands that Saints have not had an approach from the Portuguese giants, which would be the first step if they wanted to officially speak to the 41-year-old.

One would not be welcomed either, with Pochettino tied down to a long-term contract at St Mary’s and having publicly committed himself to chairman Nicola Cortese’s plans for the club.

Cortese would certainly not be willing to let his manager go, having put much faith in the Argentinean coach, who he believes can guide the team into Europe.

Saints did not reply to a request for comment, but it is the club’s standard policy not to respond to speculation.