When are United or Barcelona going to move for Tottenham’s Vertonghen? The Belgian had an excellent first season at White Hart Lane, and would be an ideal addition at Old Trafford or Camp Nou. While all the transfer focus this summer is on one Tottenham player in the form of Gareth Bale, the White Hart Lane faithful will hope that another of their stars flies under the radar. Jan Vertonghen had an excellent debut campaign for Spurs last season after a move to London from Ajax, and it would not be surprising to see some of Europe’s top teams scouting the versatile Belgium international defender. Tottenham will push for Champions League qualification again this season, and Vertonghen will have a significant role to play in this. The defender played at both centre-half and left-back with aplomb last term, and it is arguable that he was Spurs’ best performer after Bale. Although there is no way that Tottenham would want to sell the player on current form, it seems natural that the likes of Manchester United and/or Barcelona would look at the commanding defender. It is very unlikely that Vertonghen would leave after only one year with the club, however next summer Spurs could have suitors knocking on their door. United’s backline is in need of bolstering, and Vertonghen would be the perfect player to bring to Old Trafford. With Patrice Evra getting on, the club have been in the market tentatively for a left-back to add competition for the French veteran – a position Vertonghen is comfortable in and has all the attributes to play. However, the Belgian is more adept at centre-half, and would be an excellent long-term replacement for Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand. With centre-backs Chris Smalling and Phil Jones being utilised at full-back and in midfield respectively last season on occasion, there is an argument that the Premier League champions need a domineering new player in the heart of their rearguard. Barcelona are in the market for a new centre-back this summer, as club captain and stalwart Carles Puyol edges ever closer to the end of his career. The Catalan giants have been repeatedly linked with a move for David Luiz, and are reported to have lodged a £35 million bid for the Brazilian. Chelsea are very unlikely to sell Luiz, and as such the Camp Nou side will need to look elsewhere. Vertonghen’s pace, ability on the ball and reading of the game would make him an ideal acquisition for the Blaugrana. Tottenham’s signing of Vertonghen last summer was quite the coup given that a wealth of other top European clubs were keeping tabs on the defender. He has proven that he can be a natural leader for Spurs, and is now one of their most important players. The North London club will be very keen to keep him for years to come, but can expect their star to attract the attention of the likes of United and Barca in the future.
Posted on: Fri, 09 Aug 2013 13:30:00 +0000