Vertonghen set for move to England

Ajax captain Jan Vertonghen has reiterated his desire to leave the Dutch giants after claiming he has no intention on extending his contract at the Amsterdam ArenA.

The 24-year-old Belgium international has been heavily linked with a move to the Premiership, with high-flying Tottenham Hotspur reportedly leading the chase for his signature.

And Vertonghen has now confirmed he won’t be signing a new contract with Ajax, which is set to expire in June 2013.

“I am still under contract until June 2013, but I do not intend to extend it,” the Ajax captain told Vak410.nl.

“I hope to continue my career at a good Premier League club where I can stay for many seasons.

“I will miss Ajax and I do not plan to sell my house [in Amsterdam]. But I want to get to know England and the unique atmosphere of its stadia.”

However, is the young defender the right man to improve Spurs? Possessing the necessary attributes to succeed in the heart of any defence, it is unsurprising to see the North London giants heavily linked with a move for Vertonghen.

As it stands, Harry Redknapp has five central defenders at his disposal to choose from; Ledley King, Younes Kaboul, Michael Dawson, Ryan Nelsen and William Gallas. Yet, the futures of King and Gallas are still fairly uncertain due to their recent injury concerns while Nelsen isn’t getting any younger and only signed on a short-term deal. This leaves just Dawson and Kaboul in the long-term and it is pivotal Spurs bolster their backline this summer.

Steven Caulker is set to return at the end of the season following a highly successful loan spell with Swansea City and Redknapp has already admitted that he has big plans for the England U-21 international upon his move back to White Hart Lane. The addition of Vertonghen could be deemed a major coup by the Champions League hunting side.

A ball player centre-back who is eager to break forward and support the midfield at the best opportunity. Dominant in the air and a physical force to contend with, the young Belgium international has all the makings to succeed at a higher level than what he is playing at the moment. It is unsurprising to see the club linked with the highly rated centre-back as they look to strengthen their already impressive squad in the summer. The Belgian is just one a few minor additions Spurs need to make at the end of the season in order to push on from what has already been a successful campaign in the eyes of many of the fans.

Ben McAleer