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Tottenham's Benjamin Stambouli eyes England stay despite Marseille links

Benjamin Stambouli is determined to establish himself in the Premier League despite a mediocre debut season at Tottenham.

Stambouli, 24, made just four starts and 12 top-flight appearances in total for Spurs last term following his arrival from Montpellier in an estimated €6 million move last summer.

L'Equipe reports that Marseille, who sought to sign Stambouli a year ago before he opted for England, have made an offer to Spurs for the midfielder.

The player was born in Marseille and joined the Ligue 1 side's youth academy as a child, but Stambouli -- who helped Montpellier win the Ligue 1 title in 2011-12 -- told RMC he is not thinking about a return to France just yet.

"I think that going to the Premier League is the dream of a lot of players playing in France," he said. "I have had that opportunity, I seized it. Now, it's up to me to make my way in England to establish myself.

"I'm aware of what is being said. But I have chosen the path of England for a lot of reasons, and I'm going to stay there.

"I want to establish myself here. One day, you never know, but right now my head is in England."

Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino admitted earlier in May that he will be "very cold" in deciding which players to keep at White Hart Lane for his second season in charge.

The Argentine coach said: "If you bring in a player and the performance was not good, it is not good. You make a decision.

"I need to be professional and say 'for the best of the team.' Sometimes you don't like some people but this is the best.

"If with [Lionel] Messi you don't have a very good feeling with him on the human side, but he is the best, you need to be professional."