Report: Napoli could swoop as Tottenham fail to meet wage demands

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Football London have claimed that Gennaro Gattuso’s Napoli could be about to raid Tottenham Hotspur four out-of-contract defender Jan Vertonghen – with talks over a new deal for the Belgian failing to come to an agreement.

Vertonghen, who turns 33 in the summer, is out of contract by June but there has been talk that the former Ajax deal could sign a new deal. However, the latest report claims there is a signifcant stumbling block in talks.

Indeed, it is believed Tottenham are unwilling to match Vertonghen’s wage demands. The left-footed defender is currently earning £100,000 a week, as per Spotrac, and is confident he can earn even more with a Bosman move abroad.

That may allow Gattuso’s Napoli to swoop, who were first linked with a move for Vertonghen in January. Other reports claim both Barcelona and Inter Milan are keen on a move for Vertonghen – the latter having signed Christian Eriksen in January.

TBR’s view – Tottenham should not be bullied into new deal

Vertonghen has showed signs of losing a yard of pace this season, and he certainly has struggled as a left-back – meaning he can no longer offer Tottenham versatility. If Vertonghen wants to remain at Spurs, he can hardly expect his current salary.

However, the Belgian is right in thinking that he could easily earn such a fee – or more – in Italy or Spain. Certainly, for an ageing defender that never boasted an enormous amount of speed anyway, the Serie A would be ideal.