Tottenham transfer news: Sven Bender is still part of Borussia Dortmund's plans, says head coach Thomas Tuchel

German midfielder Sven Bender still features in Borussia Dortmund's plans, according to head coach Thomas Tuchel.

The 26-year-old has been linked with a move to Tottenham, but is still firmly in the thoughts of the newly installed Dortmund boss, who succeeded Jurgen Klopp earlier in the summer.

Speaking after the club's 2-0 victory against Real Betis in a pre-season friendly, Tuchel praised the Germany international's influence at Signal Iduna Park and reaffirmed Bender's role in Dortmund's future.

"He is a leader. He is a constant in the squad, he is in the players' council. It's a pleasure to work with him, because he is a total team player.

"So we're very happy with him and we're planning with him," explained Tuchel.

The 41-year-old may have been full of praise for Bender, but he bemoaned his team's sluggish display against Betis, despite the positive result.

"It wasn't good enough from our side. The result is OK and we won. The players were able to gain more game time, especially those who didn't get enough practice," he added.

"But the way we played was very slow. So there isn't much positive to say, we just know how not to do it," he declared.

Bender also lamented Dortmund's energy levels ahead of their UEFA Europa League third qualifying round second leg against Wolfsberger AC on Thursday.

The Spurs target said: "Of course it was quite hard for us. Many players were on the pitch for 90 minutes for the first time, so we hadn't much energy.

"But it was a good training session, that's the most important thing for us. And it's just more fun than normal practice."

Spurs have sold Benjamin Stambouli, Etienne Capoue and Paulinho this summer, leaving Ryan Mason and Nabil Bentaleb as Mauricio Pochettino's only central midfielders.

Defender Eric Dier was also tested in the centre of the park during the club's 2-1 defeat to the MLS All-Stars last week.