LONDON -- Mauricio Pochettino says he is not surprised by a rumour linking Harry Kane with Real Madrid as he believes the Tottenham star is among the world's best strikers.
Pochettino, however, reiterated that Kane is not for sale at any price and said the forward wants to stay at the club.
A report this week claimed La Liga giants Real could target Kane in the summer, as they look to rebuild under new head coach Zinedine Zidane.
The Spanish club have previously signed both Luka Modric and Gareth Bale from Tottenham but Pochettino is relaxed about suggestions Kane could follow suit.
"I didn't see it [the report]! It's a rumour that doesn't surprise. Harry Kane is one of the best strikers in Europe, if not the world," the Spurs head coach told a news conference.
"It wouldn't surprise me if a big club was interested in him but it's just a rumour. He's not for sale Harry Kane and the good thing is Harry wants to stay with us.
"Sometimes a manager can say 'he's not for sale' but the player wants to leave. Tottenham don't want to sell and Harry Kane wants to stay with us."
One player who could depart this month is winger Andros Townsend, who has not featured for first team since October and has played just 64 minutes of Premier League football this season.
Townsend has been playing regularly for the club's under-21 team after clashing with Spurs' fitness coach Nathan Gardiner following the 3-1 win over Aston Villa in November, and media reports have claimed he has asked for a loan move.
Pochettino, however, insisted Townsend remained part of the squad and did not comment on speculation the winger could be used as a makeweight in a bid for West Brom's Saido Berahino, targeted by Tottenham in the summer.
He said: "It's only rumours. Nothing has changed from the summer. Andros is part of our team and we have communicated, but there's nothing."