Ajax stopper attracting further Premier League interest
It’s looking ever more likely that Jan Vertonghen may complete a move to the Premier League after it was revealed that Tottenham had joined the race for his signature.
The 24 year-old has been a long-term target for Arsenal and while Arsene Wenger would love to make the Belgian defender a piece of his side, bitter rivals Spurs look keen to snatch his signature for themselves.
The centre-back has emerged as a target after it became apparent that Ledley King would be out with injury until mid-February at the earliest.
It’s no secret that the 31 year-old has suffered with chronic knee injuries for a large portion of his career and it’s unknown at this point whether the defender will be offered a contract extension before his current deal runs out in the summer.
The Lilywhites are currently relying on Michael Dawson and Younes Kaboul to do their defensive duties, with William Gallas currently out with a calf injury.
Sebastien Bassong is failing to find significant game time at White Hart Lane and understood to be seeking a move away if things don’t improve.
Vertonghen has become a key part of the Ajax starting XI since making his breakthrough in 2007 at the age of 19.
Now with a raft of Eredivisie and European football under his belt, the Belgian international is being eyed up by several of Europe’s top clubs and it seems Tottenham have sufficient reason to make an offer.
Harry Redknapp hinted last month that his side could make a ‘major signing in January’ and while Christopher Samba and Alex have taken up the majority of defensive transfer speculation, Vertonghen would arguably be another step up altogether.
The Ajax defender featured strongly in all six of his side’s Champions League matches this season, and while he would have hoped for more success in the tournament, the competition did nothing to detract clubs from showing interest in his £14m-valued signature.
