Vertonghen still has Spurs in his sights

17 June 2012 14:18

Jan Vertonghen's agent insists his client's move to Tottenham is still on despite the sacking of Harry Redknapp.

Spurs began talks with Ajax over the transfer of Vertonghen some weeks ago, but the two sides are still reported to be some way apart on their valuation of the 25-year-old defender.

This week's sacking of Redknapp, who wanted to sign the player in January, raised doubts over whether the deal would go ahead, but Vertonghen's agent Mustapha Nakhli insists the move is "very close". "Nothing has changed at all. He is coming to Tottenham for the club and not for the manager," Nakhli told Press Association Sport.

"Managers come and go. Of course Jan is sorry that Harry Redknapp is no longer there but he is going for the club.

"We have a good relationship with Daniel Levy. He wants the deal to happen and there is a good atmosphere (between us). I don't know when it will happen but the deal is close, very close."

Two weeks ago after lauding the Premier League, Vertonghen was asked whether Tottenham was the club he wanted to join.

He said: "Yes. I know where I want to go and I think it is clear to everybody. I am a big fan of the Premier League. It is almost the only competition I watch on TV and for me it is the best competition in the world."

Redknapp's three-and-a-half year reign at Tottenham came to an end in the early hours of Thursday morning when his sacking was announced by the club.

Speculation over who will replace the former West Ham and Portsmouth boss has been rife since.

David Moyes, Roberto Martinez, Laurent Blanc and Andre Villas-Boas have all been mentioned as possible successors, and Spurs have vowed to take their time over a new appointment.

Source: PA