Tottenham are hoping to edge ahead of rivals Arsenal in the race for Jan Vertonghen after opening talks with the Ajax defender, according to reports in the Dutch media.

Sport 360 reported earlier this week that Arsenal were eager to follow up their acquisition of FC Koln striker Lukas Podolski with a move for Vertonghen and Arsene Wenger had been hopeful of concluding the deal.

However, according to reports in Holland, Tottenham, who have also been long-term admirers of the Ajax captain, have stolen a march on their rivals with Spurs boss Harry Redknapp keen to rush the deal through.

Redknapp is thought to be confident of landing the 25-year-old, providing Tottenham can offer him Champions League football.

Vertonghen’s agent, Mustapha Nakhli, has revealed his client wants to move to the Premier League this summer.

“Jan has some dream clubs, which are special for him,” Nakhli told Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf.

“Playing football in the top of the Premier League is something he has always hoped for.”

Vertonghen appears destined to leave Ajax this summer after coach Frank de Boer admitted he was resigned to losing his skipper, and the Belgium international has expressed a strong desire to join Arsenal.

“Arsenal are a magnificent club and I hear a lot of good things about English football,” Vertonghen said. “If a club of Arsenal’s calibre can reach an agreement with Ajax, then I will gladly go over.

“I have instructed my agent carefully. He knows which clubs I want to join, and Arsenal are one of them.”

 

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