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Nabil Bentaleb not in Mauricio Pochettino's plans for new season

Nabil Bentaleb has not played for Tottenham since August 29
Image: Nabil Bentaleb has not played for Tottenham since the 3-0 win over Fiorentina on February 25

Nabil Bentaleb looks to be on his way out of Tottenham after manager Mauricio Pochettino confirmed the Algeria international is not in his plans for the forthcoming season.

The 21-year-old signed a new five-year deal at White Hart Lane last summer after impressing in Pochettino's first season at the club, having broken into the first team during Tim Sherwood's brief tenure in charge at the end of the 2013/14 season.

But he made only five Premier League appearances in an injury-hit campaign last season and was not taken on the club's pre-season tour of Australia, where Spurs will play Juventus and Atletico Madrid in the International Champions Cup.

Alex Pritchard is close to a return to full fitness after an injury-hit season
Image: Alex Pritchard is available for around £8m

Also missing from that trip is winger Alex Pritchard, who is expected to leave the club this summer, and defender Federico Fazio, who spent last season on loan at Sevilla. 

Clinton N'Jie, linked with a move to Marseille in recent days, remains in London, but Pochettino insists his absence is down to injury.

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Speaking at a press conference in Australia, Pochettino said: "Njie is injured - he is in London and not available to come. The situation of the other three players is very clear. They are not in my plans."

Pritchard, who signed a four-year contract at White Hart Lane last August, joined West Brom on loan last January but made just three substitute appearances, with Spurs asking for a fee in the region of £8m, according to Sky sources.

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Clinton N'Jie suffered knee ligament damage in December
Image: Clinton N'Jie suffered knee ligament damage in December

He was told by Spurs last summer that he was to be given the chance to compete for a first-team place, having thrived on a season-long loan at Brentford in 2014-15.

But he was held back by an ankle injury suffered playing for England U21s last summer, and made only one appearance for Spurs last season.

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