Redknapp: Vertonghen deal not done yet

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has revealed that a deal to sign Ajax’s Jan Vertonghen is close, but not completed just yet.

The captain of the Dutch outfit has been coveted by some of Europe’s biggest clubs, with Spurs and Arsenal the main contenders for his signature.

However, it now seems that Redknapp has won the race for the 25-year-old.

Vertonghen recently said of his potential move to White Hart Lane: “I think it could be very close now, maybe a couple of weeks or maybe days.”

Vertonghen’s preferred position is centre-back where he plays for Ajax, but he features regularly at left-back for Belgium, who lost 1-0 to England on Saturday.

With Ledley King, Michael Dawson and Benoit Assou-Ekotto all picking up long-term injuries last season, Redknapp feels the need to bolster his defensive options and sees the Belgian as the man to plug any gaps.

The Spurs boss told The Sun on Sunday: “Jan is a terrific passer and versatile too. He can play at the heart of defence but also plays very comfortable at left-back.

“I hope a deal is done but I don’t think it’s quite finished yet.”