Vertonghen Spurs boost

Jan Vertonghen insists he wants to remain with Tottenham and has confirmed he has been offered a new five-year contract to remain with the north London club.

The Belgian has been linked with a move to Barcelona who are in the market for a centre-back following the retirement of veteran Carlos Puyol.

But Vertonghen appears to have ruled out a departure from White Hart Lane this summer and has indicated he is ready sign a new deal with the club.

“It goes without saying that I would like to stay at Tottenham Hotspur,” he said last night.

“I still had a contract for four years. They offered me new contract of five years, I see as great sign of confidence.”

The 27-year-old has yet to return to pre-season training with Spurs following his participation in this summer’s World Cup for Belgium.

Vertonghen revealed he went into the tournament nursing an ankle knock and explained he wants to be cautious with the injury to avoid missing games for Spurs next season.

“I want to be careful, because seasons like the previous one where I jogged from one injury to another I absolutely want to avoid.”