Jan Vertonghen could QUIT Tottenham on free transfer this summer as club fail to bow to his two-year extension demands
JAN VERTONGHEN might not even complete THIS season at Spurs – as the club refuse to cave in to his demands for a two-year contract.
The Belgium defender is set to leave on June 30, when his contract officially ends.
But the centre-half, 33, who has seen talks stop and start all season, will only sign a deal until 2022 rather than the one-year he has been offered.
With Project Restart likely to mean an August finish to this current campaign, it could see the former Ajax star walk away in June.
Vertonghen, a target for Italian side Roma, joined Spurs back in 2012 for £8million and has clocked up more than 300 appearances for the North Londoners.
He is reportedly on £70,000-a-week wages.
But ESPN sources have claimed that Tottenham simply will not agree to a deal which will see the defender heading towards his 36th birthday – unless he takes a huge pay cut.
Fifa have agreed to allow players to extend their contracts because of these bizarre circumstances caused by the coronavirus.
But Vertonghen has not yet agreed to extend his contract temporarily.
Spurs boss Jose Mourinho has sidelined Vertonghen, preferring him as a left-back and then only as cover for Ben Davies.
The Belgian, who was seen to be distraught when subbed by Mourinho in one match against Southampton this season, has returned to training.
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He said last month: “A lot of clubs don’t have the money to do transfers so players like me, who are free, are more coveted than ever before.
“Since January a number of clubs have come forward with serious proposals for next season and I really want to continue at the top level for a few years more.
“I’d like to play European football next season and though the Spanish and Italian leagues are the most obvious markets for me, I will keep all my options open.”