Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino insists that Roberto Soldado and Andros Townsend remain in his plans and will not be sold during the current transfer window.

Neither player has started either of Spurs’ two Premier League games this season, leading to reports that they may be sold before Monday’s deadline.

AC Milan have been linked with Spanish striker Soldado, who has struggled to justify the £26m Tottenham paid to sign him from Sevilla last summer, but did score one of the north London club’s goals in the 2-1 Europa League qualifying first leg win at AEL Limassol.

But Pochettino, who left Southampton to take over at Tottenham this summer, said: "Soldado is here. I never talk about any player rumours.

"He is in my plans. For the future? Yes. Yes. We've only had two games in the Premier League and one in the Europa League.

"I believe in all the squad. It is important you know I can only pick 11."

England international Townsend, who also started the European tie in Cyprus, saw his first-team opportunities limited by injury last season and has been linked with a move to QPR.

"He is in my plans," Pochettino said of Townsend. "It is impossible you play or have in the squad only 11 players - you need 24 or 25 players.

"I think we have to play a lot of games and it is possible you play tomorrow, then don't play in the next Premier League game, but the most important thing is understanding that we need to choose for the games.

"It is only 11 in each game after that another three impact players come in.

"We have an unbelievable squad and my job is not only to put my philosophy in the club or on the pitch on how we need to play, but I need choice and that is my job."

Pochettino confirmed that Townsend will be in the squad to face AEL in the second leg of the Europa League tie, as Spurs look to reach the group stages of the competition.

However, Soldado will miss out because of a problem with his back and neck.