Barcelona are reportedly preparing to battle Bayern Munich for the services of Mauricio Pochettino.

The Argentine is now a free agent after being sacked by Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday night with the London giants struggling for results during the 2019-20 campaign.

Bayern are thought to be keen to appoint Pochettino as the long-term replacement for Niko Kovac, with interim boss Hansi Flick not seen as a genuine candidate for the role.

However, according to The Sun, Barca are ready to pounce for the South American as the speculation surrounding the future of current boss Ernesto Valverde continues to gather pace.

Valverde will see his contract at Camp Nou expire at the end of the current season, and there is a feeling that both parties will seek pastures new ahead of the 2020-21 campaign.

Pochettino turned out for Barca's Catalan rivals Espanyol as a player before managing the team between 2009 and 2012 ahead of a switch to Southampton.

Manchester United are also thought to be keeping a close eye on developments despite the team's recent improvement under the management of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.