Tottenham: Mauricio Pochettino wants settled squad before preseason campaign begins

Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino has says he wants a settled squad for when the club begin their preseason campaign ahead of the 2016-17 season.

The Argentine coach has made no secret of his desire to strengthen his squad after Spurs saw their Premier League title challenge collapse in the final weeks of the season, eventually finishing third behind arch-rivals Arsenal and champions Leicester City.

The north London club are yet to make any squad additions however, with Pochettino suggesting he wants the club to have wrapped up their incomings and outgoings sooner rather than later.

"Now we are in the middle of the summer and it is very important to start the pre-season with all clear, with our squad and the players focused on the start of the season," Pochettino told Tottenham's official website.

"It is always important to do well and be ready to compete. It is always important to start good."

Tottenham have two confirmed friendlies in the pipeline, both taking place in Melbourne against Serie A champions Juventus and Atletico Madrid in the International Champions Cup on 26 July and 29 July.

This time last year, Tottenham had already completed the signings of defenders Kevin Wimmer and Kevin Trippier, with a deal for Toby Alderweireld not too far off. This year however they have been frustrated in their attempts to add to their squad.

Sebastian Rode became Borussia Dortmund's fourth signing of the summer transfer window after joining the club from Bayern Munich on Monday 6 June for an undisclosed fee, turning down a move to White Hart Lane in the process.

Rode told Bild: "Yes, that is true [there was an offer from Spurs]. And I listened to it, but again, the transfer to BVB was a matter of the heart,

Pochettino is also interested in Lyon defender Samuel Umtiti, but it would now appear Barcelona are closing in on signing the 22-year-old. The Argentine has also expressed his interest in Marseille striker Michy Batshuayi. Marseille are demanding a fee of approximately £35m for their player.