Tottenham Hotspur coach Mauricio Pochettino has insisted that Jan Vertonghen remains an important part of his plans.

The Belgian defender recently cast doubt over his future at White Hart Lane by revealing that he was not ready to sign a new contract.

Reports have suggested that Pochettino has fallen out with the 27-year-old, but the Spurs manager has stressed that Vertonghen is still a key member of his squad.

"Rumours and information and different situations... I don't read it. Never," the Argentine is quoted as saying by BBC Sport. "I know the players are sometimes affected by comment or rumours and they call me about the rumours but Jan is a very important player for Tottenham and for me."

Spurs return to action on Thursday night when they host Greek side Asteras Tripolis in the Europa League.