Brazil boss Tite hits out at 'lies' after being linked with Real Madrid

Brazil manager Tite has hit out at reports in the local press linking him to the vacant Real Madrid job, labelling the reporter who published the story "a liar."

The rumour of Tite being lined up as Zinedine Zidane's successor emerged earlier this weekend, going as far to suggest that contact had been made between the two parties.

The 57-year-old has reacted angrily to the speculation, however, coming a week before Brazil begin their World Cup campaign with a meeting against Switzerland at the Rostov Arena.

"When it is an opinion, it deserves my respect; posted as a quote, it's a lie," he told reporters. "The attitude is disrespectful and untrue.

"I haven't had contact with anyone, Gilmar Veloz - my friend - hasn't spoken with anyone, and I have great respect for the position I'm in, the job that I have.

"Be very careful, this person, this reporter, he was - in his information - a liar. I am in the best place in football, where everyone wants to be. And don't come to me saying I'm being politically correct."

Tite has worked wonders since replacing Dunga as Selecao boss in June 2016, guiding his national side from sixth in World Cup qualifying to top spot and 10 points clear of the chasing pack.