Jan Vertonghen’s agent says ‘the door is still open’ to a new Tottenham contract

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Jan Vertonghen’s agent Tom De Mul has told Belgian outlet HLN that the defender could still sign a new deal with Tottenham Hotspur, despite his reaction to being substituted against Southampton on Wednesday evening.

Vertonghen, 32, started in the 3-2 FA Cup fourth-round replay against Southampton as Jose Mourinho considered a back-three. But with the Saints dominating from the start, Vertonghen was sacrificed in the 54th minute.

It saw Spurs revert to a four-man defence, but images showed Vertonghen looking upset on the bench after the substitution. The ex-Ajax man has now entered the final few months of his contract at Spurs – and could leave in the summer for nothing.

Despite the reaction, De Mul stated that Vertonghen was just frustrated with his own display – and claimed the £9.5million (Metro) signing could still agree a new deal with Tottenham, though he did state that there is plenty of interest in the defender.

“We currently have no agreement, but I do not exclude anything. We list everything. There is a lot of interest for Jan, certainly as a free player, but Tottenham also remains an interesting option for us. The door is still open,” De Mul said.

TBR’s view – Should Tottenham keep Vertonghen?

A 118-time Belgium international, Vertonghen boasts enormous experience and is a crucial part of the modern Tottenham era having clocked up an enormous 307 appearances for the north London club since his move from Ajax in 2012.

Yes, he has lost a yard of pace and is perhaps past his peak, but he is naturally fit – with Mauricio Pochettino telling ESPN in 2018 that “he could play until he is 40”. Though he is not the player he once was, Spurs have got to keep Vertonghen.

His ever-lasting fitness and his ability to tutor the likes of Davinson Sanchez and Japhet Tanganga will surely make him a key part of the Spurs squad beyond the summer. A new deal should be in the offing.