'We clash a lot' – Despite startling Poch revelation, Spurs ready for new enforcer deal - report
Tottenham have prioritised a new contract for Jan Vertonghen as they see the veteran as essential in bringing through the next crop of defensive stars, according to a report.
Football.London claim that they want to tie him down on a new contract before the start of the next Premier League season.
Vertonghen, 31, has been a rock at the heart of the Spurs defence this season, with Toby Alderweireld missing through injury and his own contract wrangling.
Vertonghen has struck up a valuable partnership with former Ajax man Davinson Sanchez, and with Alderweireld likely to be going in the summer Pochettino sees the veteran as crucial for bringing him and young start Juan Foyth through.
Pochettino also admitted that he clashed a lot with Vertonghen, saying: "It is true that we clash a lot in training because he is clever and always has an argument and a reason why, but in the end I appreciate his efforts."
Football Insider verdict:
Vertonghen rightfully made the PFA Team of the Year after a sensational season for Tottenham. He's not out of contract until the end of next season but Pochettino and Levy both want to reward the veteran with a new contract that could keep him at Spurs for the remainder of his career. With the status of Alderweireld up in the air, that's good news and Sanchez will have a good mentor to get him up to the same level.
In other Tottenham news, 'Seriously? Get rid', 'Bye' – Spurs fans want first-team ace binned after major news reported