Irregardless of the international break, transfer speculation waits for no man, and the latest news coming out of Serie A sees Internazionale targeting Premier League challengers Tottenham Hotspur.
It seems the Nerazzurri have been doing more than poaching points from the Lilywhites in the Champions League group stage (they were responsible for a smash-and-grab at the San Siro back in September) but have also been keeping tabs on one particular Spurs stalwart.
Football Italia reports that defender Jan Vertonghen is Inter’s target, as they look to replace Andrea Ranocchia and Joao Miranda, who are both set to leave Milan by the end of the season.
Vertonghen has been at Tottenham since 2012 after moving from Ajax and has gone on to command a secure starting berth, developing a valuable relationship with compatriot Toby Alderweireld at the heart of the Spurs defence over the past several seasons to the envy of most teams across Europe.
Currently out with a debilitating hamstring injury suffered in a recent league match against Huddersfield Town, should Vertonghen return to training in December as expected, the 31-year-old is on course to make close to 300 appearances for Tottenham by 2018/19’s end.
Though the Belgium international’s contract is due to expire at the end of the season, but the club have the option to extend for a further season. Vertonghen last signed an extension back in 2016.
Even if the extra year is sanctioned (presumably at the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium), Spurs would be wary that the 31-year-old could leave for nothing the following season, and Inter is becoming an increasingly attractive prospect, having regained Champions League status after an extended hiatus.
What a signing that would be on a free!
#COYS