Jan Vertonghen unsure over Tottenham future as he nears end of contract

In the dark | Jan Vertonghen is unsure as to whether or not he will pen a new deal at Spurs
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Jan Vertonghen admits he is in the dark about his Tottenham future less than a year before the end of his contract.

The Belgian defender, who joined Spurs in 2012, has been a vital member of the squad over the past few years, with his performances in the run to the Champions League final last season showing how important he remains to this squad.

However, the 32-year-old has now entered the final year of his deal at the club and, despite feeling as fit as ever, is unsure at this stage to whether he will extend his contract again this season.

“I just want to focus on this year,” he said. “I know I have got one year left so I know a lot of questions will be asked.

“I have said it before, I am very happy at the club. The supporters have been great for me, the manager has improved me a lot and has a lot of confidence in me. I feel very good physically so I am not sure what is going to happen this year.

“I can only say I am happy where I am at and I feel the support from the manager, team-mates and the squad.”

While Vertonghen feels settled at Spurs, questions remain over various areas of Mauricio Pochettino’s squad with less than a week to go until Thursday’s transfer deadline.

The Argentine warned of a “painful” summer rebuild following last season but to this point only Kieran Trippier has left the club, with Tanguay Ndombele the only signing to be available for the coming season, which begins at home to newly-promoted Aston Villa on Saturday.

Both Toby Alderweireld and Christian Eriksen remain uncertain of their future, with the latter having said earlier this summer that he wanted a “new challenge”.

In Pictures | Tottenham squad return for pre-season | 15/07/19

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Until just over a week ago Alderweireld could have left the club for £25million, though that release clause expired for the final two weeks of the window. The Belgian defender could still leave this summer, with Premier League clubs still allowed to sell after Thursday’s deadline, though whether or not clubs will be willing to pay any more than £25million for a 30-year-old is difficult to judge. Vertonghen is hoping he will stay put.

“You never know [what will happen] but I have played for so many years with Toby,” he said. “He is a very good player and a great guy for the group. It is out of my hands but he is here now and I am happy with that.”

Tottenham fans got a glimpse of their first signing since January 2018 on Sunday as Spurs rounded out their pre-season campaign with a penalty shootout defeat to Inter Milan, with Ndombele making his first appearance at his new home.

In Pictures | Tottenham vs Inter Milan | 04/08/2019

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But Pochettino will be without Dele Alli for at least the season opener due to another hamstring problem.

The Spurs manager insists he will be happy with his current squad ahead of Thursday’s 5pm transfer deadline.

Spurs and Real Betis have cooled discussions over a fee for Giovani Lo Celso, the Argentina playmaker who is wanted by Pochettino, and, while a deal is notdead, no agreement has been reached.

The club remain confident of securing a deal for Fulham’s Ryan Sessegnon, a long term Pochettino target, with Danny Rose another uncertain of his Tottenham future.

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