Spurs defender aware of Barca interest.
Tottenham Hotspur defender Jan Vertonghen admits it is flattering to be linked with a move to a big club like Barcelona, but told Belgian TV that he will be staying at White Hart Lane, according to Sporza.
The former Ajax man has only been with Spurs for two seasons, but has quickly established himself as one of the top central defenders in the Premier League, and is one of many defensive players to attract interest from Barcelona in this summer’s transfer window.
The Catalan giants are also reported to be chasing Arsenal and Liverpool stars Thomas Vermaelen and Daniel Agger as they seek new recruits in that part of the pitch, but Vertonghen says he expects his future to be at Tottenham.
“The interest of a beautiful club like FC Barcelona excites me for sure,” he is quoted as saying. “This is a confirmation that you’re doing well. Where there’s smoke, there’s fire, they say, but for the moment there is certainly no fire.”
The 27-year-old admits he expects to sign a new contract in north London, committing his future to the club amid the transfer speculation this summer.
“It goes without saying that I would like to stay at Tottenham,” he added. “My contract extension I consider to be a great sign of confidence.”
Tottenham will be delighted not to be losing another key player this year, with Gareth Bale leaving the club for an £85m move to Real Madrid before the start of last season, and Luka Modric making the same move just twelve months earlier.