Mauricio Pochettino says Gareth Bale signing 'not realistic' for Tottenham

Mauricio Pochettino laughed off the idea of Tottenham signing Gareth Bale, but says he is aware of the importance of making new signings.

Spurs are yet to make a signing during the transfer window, while Bale's Real Madrid future has been unclear this summer.

However, when asked if the Wales international could be a target for Tottenham, Pochettino said: "I think it's not realistic."

Spurs, who suffered an International Champions Cup defeat against Barcelona in California on Saturday, are currently without nine players who featured in the World Cup semi-finals.

Moussa Sissoko sustained a hamstring problem in the penalty-shootout defeat to the La Liga champions, while Erik Lamela and Victor Wanyama were absent from the match.

Pochettino said: "With or without injuries that was our target after we finished last season - to add some players with qualities that can help us achieve all that we want."

"You need to be relaxed, working hard," he added. "My focus is trying to help the team and develop the way we want to play and arrive in the best condition to start the season.

"Nothing's going to change if I changed my behaviour or the way I act."

Being without many of his World Cup stars has meant Pochettino has been able to give more playing time to some of the club's younger players and he revealed he has been impressed with what he has seen.

"I am so happy with the young ones. Luke Amos has played the most and then Oliver Skipp," he said.

"A lot of the younger ones have the possibility to show their quality. I am so happy with them. I think they are players that still need to grow."

source: skysports