Jan Vertonghen insists he remains happy with life at Tottenham Hotspur, but he is not yet ready to sign a new contract with the club.
The 27-year-old was a £10million signing from Ajax in the summer of 2012, and he has gone on to establish himself as a valuable member of their first team squad. Indeed, he was even being billed as a potential new captain of the White Hart Lane outfit, before coach Mauricio Pochettino instead opted for his defensive colleague Younes Kaboul.
Earlier this month agent Mustapha Nakhli told Sky Sports that talks had been opened with Spurs in regards to a new contract for Vertonghen, and that an agreement was close. However, the Belgian international, who has 62 caps for his country, has now revealed that he has decided not to commit his future to the Londoners at this moment.
Vertonghen, who lost his place for the recent Premier League draw at Sunderland and the disappointing home defeat to West Bromwich Albion, said: “I am not signing. We agreed not to and I would prefer not to say why. I still have four years left. I am very happy at the club and I think they are happy with me. That’s where it ends.”
Vertonghen has made no secret of his desire to play in the UEFA Champions League, and this may be the reason why he is keeping his options open at present. Even so, he will still have three years remaining on his existing contract at the end of the current season, so in that regard, Tottenham are in a good position if he should push for a transfer.
Should Vertonghen request a transfer at the end of the season, should Tottenham hold him to his contract or cash in? Let us know what you think by joining in the discussion below.
