Exclusive: Bruce tips big Spurs favourite to agree contract extension after rejecting deal

Alex Bruce has backed Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen to commit to a new short-term contract to see out the Premier League season with the Lilywhites.

The former Hull and Leeds defender, speaking exclusively to Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge, expects the Belgium international to be "professional" and show faith to the club amid uncertain times.

As revealed by Football Insider, Spurs are set to extend the 33-year-old's contract until the end of the season after the Premier League gave the green light to agree short-term deals with those set to be free agents this summer.

While Vertonghen would be free to agree terms with another club when his current deal runs out next month, Bruce believes he will commit to a new deal in north London.

Bruce told Football Insider: "Ultimately it's going to be the lad's decision but the professional that Jan Vertonghen is, I'd back him to play for Spurs for the future, even if it's just a short-term contract to see the season out.

"I think he'll be committed and I wouldn't expect anything else from Vertonghen to be honest. I think he'll roll his sleeves up and have a good go for the last eight, nine games.

"I'd be very surprised if he turned round and said: 'No, I'm not playing'. That's the type of guy he is."

Vertonghen turned down Spurs' offer of a one-year deal on reduced terms, meaning he looked set to leave at the end of June before the shutdown of the Premier League.

He has lost his regular starting role this season but has still managed to make 26 appearances across all competitions.

In other Tottenham news, it can be REVEALED a defender has played his last game for the club.