Vertonghen open to Spurs move
Belgian stopper keen to play in the Premier League
Last Updated: February 27, 2012 9:00am
Ajax defender Jan Vertonghen has voiced his desire to play in the Premier League and has described reported suitors Tottenham as an 'amazing club'.
The Belgium international, who is thought to be on the radar of several English sides, is out of contract in Amsterdam next summer and is yet to extend his deal.
Spurs are believed to be frontrunners for his signature after manager Harry Redknapp attended Ajax's Europa League trip to Manchester United last Thursday.
Target
The 24-year-old, also a reported target of Arsenal, Emirates Marketing Project and Saudi Sportswashing Machine, would welcome a move to White Hart Lane - or any top Premier League club.
"I think Tottenham are an amazing club and you see how well they are doing this season," Vertonghen told Goal.com.
"They are in the top three in England and that's where I want to play.
"I can't say anything about whether there has been contact about a transfer but I think my game can be suited to English football.
"I love the atmosphere and it has the best players in the world, it breathes football. It's one of my goals to play in the best leagues and against the best players. It's the only competition I watch apart from Barcelona."
Vertonghen has revealed some of his international team-mates have tried to sway him towards a Premier League move, with Emirates Marketing Project captain Vincent Kompany and Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen among the Belgian players plying their trade in the English top flight.
"A lot of my colleagues from the national team play here and some are calling me to come," he added.
"It's a beautiful competition, the best in my opinion. I hope one day I can play in the Premier League with this atmosphere.
"To play for a team in the Premier League would be amazing and that's what I am going for.
"It's flattering to be linked with clubs, the rumours give me confidence but I just try to do my best every game."
Eriksen
Vertonghen's young Ajax team-mate Christian Eriksen has also been linked with a move to the Premier League, with Manchester United thought to be interested, but the defender believes he would benefit from another season in Holland.
"Maybe for Christian it's better to stay one more year and he can learn something, be the leader in the field for Ajax one day," added Vertonghen. "I hope he stays one more year at least.
"Christian is a clever guy and he will leave at the right moment."
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