Ajax's Jan Vertonghen

Tottenham are close to completing the signing of skilful defender Jan Vertonghen according to the player's agent.

The Ajax captain has emerged as the White Hart Lane side's number one transfer target this summer, and is viewed as a long-term replacement for ageing Ledley King.

Whilst the Belgium international has admitted that he wants to move to Harry Redknapp's men, the clubs have failed to agree a transfer fee to complete the deal.

However, Vertonghen's representative Mustapha Nakhli has confirmed that a switch is close to being concluded.

"I hope it will be this week. I think it will. We are talking to Tottenham," he told reporters, published by Sky Sports.

Vertonghen is in the last year of his contract with the Amsterdam-based club, however the Eredivisie champions still want €15 million for their star man.

Tottenham are thought to be reluctant to spend so much on a player that will be available on a free transfer in a year's time, and Nakhli has confessed that the fee may not be as high as Ajax would like.

"Fifteen million? Jan has a contract until mid-2013. So what do you think?" he said.

Vertonghen's capture would be a major coup for Tottenham, as the defender was wanted by Arsenal at the start of the summer also.

By Gareth McKnight

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