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Tottenham mainstay delivers calming verdict over major uncertainty for senior star
Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen has insisted there is “no stress” surrounding the future of club and country teammate Toby Alderweireld despite major uncertainty about his future in north London.
The former Southampton man is yet to put pen to paper over a new deal with Spurs as he approaches what could be the final year of his current contract, although there is an extension clause included.
However triggering that deal, which see his deal pushed back until 2020, would open him up to a £25million release clause, leaving the club in a difficult situation.
Despite the stress from fans, Vertonghen has tried to calm the situation, insisting the two are set to continue to play together as they have done for some years.
He told Sky Sports: “Whenever we play we understand each other.
“When I left for Tottenham, Toby left for Atletico [Madrid] and Southampton but we found each other quite quick after that, so no stress.
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“We’ve been playing together for a long time and we know how to play together, but I don’t want to speak about this because it might sound disrespectful to whoever is playing next to me or next to Toby in other situations.”
Alderweireld has made 17 appearances this season, while he also has 73 caps under his belt for Belgium.
Football Insider verdict
While Vertonghen has done his best to try and give the supporters some faith that Alderweireld is set to stay at Spurs, they will not rest until he has committed to a future at the club. Unfortunately, that is looking pretty unlikely right now, and they may well have to get their goodbyes prepared for the end of the season. Vertonghen, and the fans, need not worry though, for his exit means Davinson Sanchez can continue to show just how talented he is, having enjoyed a fantastic debut season. At 21-years-old, he has a lot of developing to do as well, meaning he is going to become possibly even better than Alderweireld at his peak.
In other Tottenham news, the club must snap up a £20million-rated contract rebel who can be Pochettino’s net success story.
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