‘He’s ready to play’: Mourinho says 6ft 2in Spurs man is available tonight despite concerns

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Tottenham Hotspur boss Jose Mourinho has praised Jan Vertonghen ahead of Spurs’ return to Premier League action, stressing that the defender is “committed” with the club and ready to feature.

The 33-year-old is out of contract at the end of the month and it’s looking increasingly likely that he’ll be soon ending his eight-year association with Tottenham, though Mourinho remains hopeful that a new deal until the end of the extended season can be agreed.

With Vertonghen’s contract expiring so soon, it seemed unclear as to whether he’d feature, given some other players in the Premier League and Championship whose contracts are expiring – Ryan Fraser and Lyle Taylor to name but two (talkSPORT) – won’t be featuring for their respective sides.

However, Mourinho has poured cold water on such concerns, telling Football London yesterday ahead of the Manchester United clash: “Jan is a fantastic guy, fantastic professional.

“His love for the club, his respect for the club, is never in doubt. Of course he’s committed with us, of course he’s ready to play tomorrow.

“We and him want him to be with us until at least the end of the season and hopefully Jan and his people and my club can agree that.

“But speaking now until the end of his contract, in the end of June, he’s here to help and of course we totally trust him.”

Vertonghen joined Spurs in the summer of 2012 for a reported £9.5million and has made upwards of 300 competitive appearances for the Lilywhites.

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While Vertonghen has been a great servant to Tottenham over the past eight years, it looks as though he’s heading for pastures new.

Previously a shoe-in for Spurs’ starting XI, the 6ft 2in man has been named on the bench on numerous occasions in the Premier League and Champions League this term.

However, the global health crisis has made things complicated to say the least, and Tottenham really could do with Vertonghen’s services until the end of the season, whenever that may be.

Spurs and Vertonghen have until 23 June to try to come to a resolution, but given the player would likely be unable to play for another club until August at the earliest, that could potentially sway things in the club’s favour.