Vertonghen close to move to North London

As Harry Redknapp seeks to improve his squad, Spurs fans can rest assured that he is doing everything he can to bring Jan Vertonghen to White Hart Lane.

The Belgian international has been a target for both Tottenham and their North London rivals, Arsenal, but it is Redknapp's men that appear to be favourites to land the Ajax defender.

Vertonghen has confirmed his intention to move to the lilywhites and believes that a deal could be agreed soon.

Speaking ahead of his national teams match against England at Wembley, he said: '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.

'I would like to play in the Premier League. I am not in contact every day but I think it could be very close now, maybe a couple of weeks or maybe days.'

Speaking of his preferred destination, the Belgian said: 'I probably know which team I will be going to, yes. I know where I want to go and I think it is clear to everybody.'

He then confirmed that the club he was referring to was, indeed, Tottenham according to football365.

The 25 year old doesn't appear to be too concerned that White Hart Lane will not be hosting Champions League football next season saying: 'It is not that big a problem. It would be nice but I chose for the club not just one season.

'For me it is important the connection with the club. They give me a very good feeling about everything.

'They invited me over and they also really want to close a deal, which is what gave me a good feeling.

'They showed me everything about where they want to be in the next few years and that is what I like most.'

Vertonghen looks set leave the Dutch champions to link up with Harry Redknapp in the English capital, something that pleases the one club man.

'I met him once and I think he is a good manager. He was very friendly.

'[I am happy he is not England manager] as I have only heard good things about him and I am happy he stays at Tottenham.'

In a bid to, perhaps, dampen down fervour, the player who is likely to line up for Belgium at Wembley tweeted: 'Don't believe everything the press writes. Nothing is confirmed. Still player of Ajax.'

@georgepowell8