Tottenham will not sell defender Kevin Wimmer during the January transfer window, despite interest from Bundesliga outfit Schalke 04.

Schalke chairman Clemens Toennies told Sky Germany on Saturday his club had commenced discussions with Spurs about bringing Wimmer to Gelsenkirchen, but it is understood any potential deal is now dead in the water.

Sky Sports is reporting the North London club are not prepared to let the 23-year-old Austrian leave White Hart Lane because they see him as a vital back-up to central defensive pairing Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld.

Wimmer is yet to start a Premier League fixture for Tottenham under Mauricio Pochettino this season.