Ajax defender Jan Vertonghen still wants to join Tottenham according to his agent despite the sacking of Harry Redknapp the Daily Mail report.
Talks between the two sides over transfer started some weeks ago but nothing has yet to be finalised as they reportedly struggle to meet in the middle of their respective valuations of the 25-year-old.
Vertonghen stated a fortnight that he is keen on a move to the Premeir League and when asked whether he would be joining Spurs he said: ”Yes. I know where I want to go and I think it is clear to everybody.
“I am a big fan of the Premier League. It is almost the only competition I watch on TV and for me it is the best competition in the world.”
The departure of Redknapp, who wanted to sign the Belgian international in January, after three and a half years at White Hart Lane put the deal in jeopardy.
But Vertonghen’s agent Mustapha Nakhli insisted that it doesn’t change anything and a deal is close being reached stating their good relationship with chairman Daniel Levy was a big factor.
“Nothing has changed at all. He is coming to Tottenham for the club and not for the manager.
“Managers come and go. Of course Jan is sorry that Harry Redknapp is no longer there but he is going for the club.
“We have a good relationship with Daniel Levy. He wants the deal to happen and there is a good atmosphere (between us).
“I don’t know when it will happen but the deal is close, very close.”
Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle were all linked with Vertonghen but were all beaten off by Tottenham for Vertognhen’s signature.
It’s thought Ajax are looking for a fee in the region of £12 million but Levy is unwilling stump up the cash and will continue his efforts to negotiate a lower price.
I don’t know why this ‘story’ is still be reported on, it really has nothing to do with Arsenal.. The fact that Vertonghen is so anxious to join Spurs, is I believe because they are the ONLY premier league side who have put an offer on the table… I think perhaps Wenger made an ‘enquiry’ on him but I doubt it went any further than that… I’m sure if Wenger wanted him that badly he’d have persued this further, and would have made an official offer (which i doubt he did), and if that had happened and Vertonghen had any ambition about him he’d have soon shut up about Spurs, and done all he could to have joined Arsenal.. Ajax and Vertonghen’s agent have openly ‘milked’ Arsenal’s so called ‘interest’ in the player to try and get Spurs to meet the asking price, which is to be expected, but then again I reckon Spurs know they were the only real serious club in pursuit of him, so they have stuck to their guns, which will explain why this transfer is taking ages to go through, as both Ajax and Spurs have different valuations on the player… I’m sure he will push this move through, but not for one minute do i believe Arsenal ever made a serious offer to Ajax for Vertonghen.