Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen has agreed a new contract in principle but is reportedly stalling putting pen to paper on the agreement.
The Belgian international has established himself as a key figure in Spurs’ success since arriving at White Hart Lane in 2012, and has two years remaining on his current contract.
According to ESPN FC, he has been in talks with the club over an extension since the beginning of the year, but a ‘frank exchange’ with coach Mauricio Pochettino after the defeat to Monaco in the Champions League last month may have led to some question marks being raised.
The Argentine tactician questioned his side’s passion after the defeat, but they’ve done well to bounce back from the disappointment and are firmly back on track to achieve their objectives this season.
It’s added that the 29-year-old is settled in London and is pleased with his partnership with compatriot Toby Alderweireld in the heart of the Tottenham defence, and so it’s not a particularly serious issue with the expectation that he will sign soon.
However, until he actually puts pen to paper it will leave Spurs supporters slightly anxious over the situation as they hope the former Ajax defender will be the latest in a long line of stars to commit their long-term futures to the club.
The likes of Christian Eriksen, Dele Alli, Danny Rose and Eric Dier have all agreed new deals with Tottenham over the past month, as noted by ESPN FC, and it’s felt that Vertonghen is very much the next name on the list.
With Pochettino bringing in new faces over the summer coupled with ensuring that the pivotal pieces of his squad are in place for the long term, Vertonghen shouldn’t need too much convincing about signing a new deal with the club as he remains an integral part of their push for silverware this season and beyond.