Jan Vertonghen free transfer wanted by host of Italian clubs including Inter as eight-year Tottenham spell nears end

TOTTENHAM’S Jan Vertonghen is a wanted man in the upcoming transfer market with Inter Milan and Roma linked to the defender. Out of contract at the end of the campaign, the Belgian appears set to leave North London after eight years with the team. According to Tuttosport, Napoli have joined Inter and Roma in monitoring […]

TOTTENHAM’S Jan Vertonghen is a wanted man in the upcoming transfer market with Inter Milan and Roma linked to the defender.

Out of contract at the end of the campaign, the Belgian appears set to leave North London after eight years with the team.

PA:Empics Sport

According to Tuttosport, Napoli have joined Inter and Roma in monitoring Vertonghen‘s availability.

Thought to be on the table in Naples is a two-year deal with the option for a third season.

And Italian newspaper La Nazione has named Fiorentina as another team preparing to offer a contract.

A move to the peninsula looks to be the 33-year-old’s most likely option this summer after Real Betis pulled out of the running.

Vertonghen’s wage demands were deemed out of the LaLiga side’s budget, as reported by CalcioMercato.

With the coronavirus pandemic slashing transfer budgets across the continent, free transfers such as the Spurs veteran could become extra sought after.

Such a factor has not escaped Vertonghen, who believes he may inadvertently benefit from the pandemic circumstances.

He stated last month: “The coronavirus lockdown has brought a lot of uncertainty to the transfer market and, strangely enough, it has had a positive effect on interest in players who are out of contract.

“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.”

Jose Mourinho’s arrival at Tottenham has seen Vertonghen’s game time cut somewhat, the centre-back often moved over to the left side of defence.

But the Premier League side may be forced to invest in new recruits if he departs – with Juan Foyth speculated to be in Barcelona’s crosshair.