Potter has been a free agent since Chelsea fired him eighteen months ago, yet he is still being tipped to succeed under-fire Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag. The Dutchman's job at Old Trafford is in jeopardy following a 3-0 loss against Tottenham on Sunday, which was yet another sloppy performance by the Red Devils. In the midst of all the constant speculation connecting him to United, the former Chelsea and Brighton manager has finally spoken up.

Speaking on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football, Potter said: "I am the only coach in world football to be linked with Stoke City and Napoli in the same week. A lot of what I've read in the media is untrue and false. I take what the media say with a pinch of salt. I've had lots of conversations with lots of people.

"For the respect of everybody, it's best I keep it private. I don't think anything is impossible but jobs are difficult. That's the reality of life in the Premier League. If you're a big club like Manchester United and you're not in the top six, then there's always going to be scrutiny.

"Sometimes you have to look beyond the results and look at the performances. They've missed a lot of chances and sometimes teams go through that where you don't start reflecting your xG [expected goals], and then a bad day comes along [like on Sunday] and the clouds come over pretty quickly - that's what they're facing."

Potter has also been linked with a potential takeover of the England national team following Gareth Southgate's departure after Euro 2024. While Lee Carsley currently holds the job on an interim basis, the FA has yet to decide on who will succeed Southgate permanently. Potter said of links to the England post: "As an Englishman, of course, it's a fantastic job but I'm supportive of whatever the FA decide to do and whoever the coach is.

"I think Gareth [Southgate] did a fantastic job and I'm sure Lee [Carsley] - for however long it is - will do really well."

When asked about whether he would prefer holding a club job rather than managing an international team in the future, the 49-year-old said: "I'm open to anything, to be honest.

"I've had a fantastic journey over the last 12 years from the fourth tier of Swedish football to the last eight of the Champions League and I would like to spend the next 12 years in the same position, developing players, teams, working with people and making a difference.

"Wherever that is, I'm open to everything.“