Exclusive: Spurs star rejects new deal, Bent: ‘I know what will happen now…’
Darren Bent claims that Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen will leave the club if he does not get the two-year deal he is looking for.
The former Spurs striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge, believes the 32-year-old will not waver as he looks for contractual security..
As revealed exclusively by Football Insider, the Belgium international turned down the club’s offer of a one-year deal on reduced terms, with the defender demanding a two-year contract.
His current contract is set to expire this summer, meaning he will become a free agent if a new deal is not signed.
Bent insists he understands where the defender is coming from and that Spurs will have to offer a two-year deal if they want him to stay.
Bent told Football Insider: “That’s what it always comes to, when you’re a senior player it comes down to length of contract rather than the actual money.
“It’s strange, you tend to want to want a little bit more security. We understand that there’s a lot of young guys coming up behind you, hungry and waiting to get going, but at the same time you need to look after yourself.
“When you’re playing on a one-year deal, the club’s always in control because if he has a very good year the club might turn around and say they’re still not going to give you another one. If he’s got a two-year, it’s on his terms a little bit.
“I know what will happen now – if he doesn’t get the second year he’ll have to look elsewhere which I’m sure he wouldn’t want to do.”
Vertonghen has made a total of 311 appearances since joining Spurs back in 2012.
In other Tottenham news, Bent has touted the exit of a 26-year-old this summer.