Vertonghen keeping his options open

As his contract with Tottenham Hotspur draws to its end, Jan Vertonghen is keeping all options open.

Having spent a year on loan at RKC Waalwijk, the defender set to turn 33 in a few days played for Ajax before his move to North London in 2012. Since then, he has made 311 appearances in all competitions in a Spurs shirt so far, scoring 14 goals. His contract is due to expire this summer, and though there has been talk of a new one, it hasn’t been agreed yet.

Speaking to Play Sports Kot this week in an interview picked up by AS, Vertonghen refused to rule out signing a new deal and staying put, but he could also join another European club. The 118-time capped Belgium international finds playing for his national team important.

He would like to learn a new language and listed Italy and Spain in particular as possible destinations. He was recently linked with Inter Milan.

Vertonghen believes there will be much interest in his services this summer, with many clubs unlikely to spend much and would possibly see a free transfer of a player of his experience as a bargain.