Two new suitors emerge in race for Tottenham defensive star

Jan.Vertonghen.Tottenham.TEAMtalk

Serie A rivals Napoli and Roma are set to battle Inter Milan for the signature of Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen, according to reports in Italy.

Vertonghen is out of contract at the end of the season, and while he could yet extend his stay, Spurs are said to be preparing for his departure.

The Belgian defender has admitted he faces an interesting choice over his next destination, and Italy seems to be one country he is likely to end up in.

Inter Milan have been heavily linked with a swoop for the soon-to-be free agent, with Antonio Conte possibly even being willing to let Tottenham have Diego Godin in return.

It wouldn’t be the first time Inter have gone in for a Spurs man recently, with Christian Eriksen having made the same move in January as his contract approached its conclusion.

However, Vertonghen may yet not follow that route, as Gazzetta Dello Sport claim that Roma and Napoli have joined the chasing pack.

Roma are currently trying to keep hold of Chris Smalling beyond his loan from Manchester United, although they may not be able to afford a permanent transfer – potentially pushing the Englishman to Arsenal and forcing them to look for alternatives.

Meanwhile, Kalidou Koulibaly continues to be linked with a move away from Napoli, potentially to Man Utd themselves, or to another European giant such as Paris Saint-Germain – with reports over the weekend suggesting that the French giants had already agreed a deal for the Senegalese centre-back.

Therefore, Vertonghen would prove a cost-effective replacement for either club – although Inter remain in pole, as they would need someone to replace Godin’s experience if the former Atletico Madrid star calls time on his stay at San Siro.