Lazio are considering a move for Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen, according to reports in Italy.
Vertonghen has been Spurs’ standout defender so far this season, emerging as one of the best centre-backs in Europe.
The 30-year-old has made over 200 appearances for the club since joining from Ajax in 2012.
He has been a mainstay in the team under Mauricio Pochettino, but appears to have hit another level over the last few months.
According to Italian outlet Corriere Dello Sport, Lazio are interested in signing Vertonghen this summer.
That’s because they are set to lose Stefan de Vrij on a free transfer at the end of the season, meaning they are currently eyeing potential replacements.
However, it’s extremely unlikely Tottenham will be willing to lose Vertonghen given his recent form.
What’s more, I don’t think there is any way Vertonghen would consider leaving Spurs for Italy’s fourth-placed side – they could yet fall out of the top four, too.
I expect any Lazio enquiry will be swiftly rebuffed by Tottenham.
With Vertonghen’s current contract set to run out in the summer of 2019, hopefully a new deal is negotiated sooner rather than later.
