Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Tottenham transfer news: Jan Vertonghen makes bold prediction on Spurs contract
JAN VERTONGHEN is confident Tottenham will extend his current contract, which runs out in June 2019.
The Belgian joined Spurs from Ajax in 2012 and has since made 243 appearances for the club.
The centre-back has averaged 30 Premier League turnouts per season, becoming an integral part of the Lilywhites backline.
But with a year left to run on his current contract, doubt has been gathering about whether Vertonghen will leave north London.
"My contract is expiring at the end of the season, but Tottenham have an option to extend it with one year," the 31-year-old told HLN journalist Kristof Terreur.
I think they [Tottenham Hotspur] will take up the option. We’ll see what happens
"I think they will take up the option. We’ll see what happens."
Spurs also have Toby Alderweireld, Davinson Sanchez and Eric Dier as centre-back options.
But with Pochettino's tendency to play three central defenders, it is understandable that the Argentine would want to retain Vertonghen's services.
Pinning down top talents on long-term contracts is what Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has seemingly pinpointed as the club's policy, in order to maintain competition with the wealthier 'Big Six' clubs.
Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Hugo Lloris all have contracts beyond 2022 and, despite Vertonghen's age, the club won't want to lose him on a free transfer.
Unlike Jamie Vardy, 31, and Gary Cahill, 32, Vertonghen signalled his intent to keep playing international football.
Belgium enjoyed their best World Cup finish at Russia, beating England 2-0 in the third-place play-off.
"The fact that everyone is still here shows how well the group [Belgium squad] hangs together. Everyone has tasted that tournament feeling and how nice that is," Vertonghen said.
"We know that something is possible with this group. Soon after the World Cup, I had wanted to continue.
"It would be a shame not to continue with this group, this core can continue for two years together, and ninety percent maybe four years.
"Or if I belong to that second category, I will not soon say that I am leaving, if my body allows it."