Jan Vertonghen drops transfer hint as pundit makes big Man Utd claim

Jan Vertonghen

Jan Vertonghen has suggested he has a favoured next move in mind amid growing claims he could be snapped up by Manchester United.

The Belgian defender joined Spurs in 2012, and has been a constant at the back over the past eight years.

The 33-year-old agreed a short-term deal to see out the extended campaign. But on Monday he confirmed his exit in an emotional post on his Instagram account.

“I will miss the friends I’ve made here, the staff that make the club run, playing at the amazing new stadium & of course you fans,” he wrote.

“Thank you for all the support over the years. You’ve been amazing. We had many unbelievable memories but for now, it’s goodbye.”

Now a free agent, Vertonghen is likely to be in high demand. The likes of Roma, Napoli and clubs in Spain have all been mentioned as suitors. Manchester City were also mentioned as potential candidates the other day.

However, there is growing talk it is Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s United who could offer Vertonghen a deal.

The Red Devils are back in the Champions League and looking to bolster their defensive options. Earlier this week they were linked with a €30m swoop for Lille’s Gabriel Magalhaes.

However, pundit Jermaine Jenas is convinced United would be shrewd to make a play for the experienced Vertonghen.

 

He told BBC Radio 5 Live: “I keep touting him around everywhere but I’m sorry, Jan Vertonghen on a free is the best free transfer centre half out there.

“If you can get Harry Maguire back on the right side and get an actual ball-playing centre-half as a left-sider, that little dynamic may change things for them as well and he’s free.

“Manchester United will know what they’re doing. They’ll have a plan but defensively they’re miles off it.

“I know how good he is. It baffles me when I see him in the stand every week because I know how good he this player is.

“I’ve played with him, I’ve watched him and on a free transfer, it just makes sense.”

 

 

Vertonghen cool on his future

Jan Vertonghen

Vertonghen himself appears in no hurry to secure a transfer, especially with the window open until October 5.

But the former Tottenham man has suggested he does have a favoured destination.

“That will be out probably sooner rather than later. I’m considering the options and making a good choice,” he told talkSPORT.

“Obviously the window now is longer than it was last year. We’ve got a bit of time to assess the best option.

“It will all depend on the options. I’ve got something in my head and we’ll see if that will come around or not.”

 

READ MORE: Leeds preparing £15m bid to lure talented Tottenham centre-back