Why Tottenham should sell Vertonghen to Manchester United
Published:
Much in the same way ticket touts prey on punters desperate to see the big game, Tottenham can use Manchester United’s frantic search for a new defender to their distinct financial advantage.
Jan Vertonghen has shown he is a defender of real quality during his time at White Hart Lane, though the Belgian’s performance levels have dropped off a cliff since the middle of last season, and in truth he’s now stinking the place out.
It’s common knowledge the former Ajax star’s nose was sent squarely out of joint by Mauricio Pochettino’s decision to elevate Younes Kaboul, and not him, to Spurs skipper following the Argentine’s summer appointment.
The decision to hand Kaboul the captaincy may be a flawed one, given the Lilywhites long odds of 9/1 to pierce the top four ahead of their visit to Hull, but the battle lines are now drawn.
With Pochettino so fed up of Vertonghen’s attitude that he was omitted from the team against Stoke prior to the international break; United coming calling is perfect timing for all involved.
Louis van Gaal has been linked with an obscene number of defensive targets as the Dutchman tries in vain to land a world class centre-back, but the situation surrounding Vertonghen looks about the most fruitful yet.
The 27-year-old comes highly recommended by fellow countryman Ronald de Boer, who managed him at Ajax, and there will be no Premier League adjustment period necessary.
Although some Spurs fans would be reluctant to see arguably their finest defender being poached, given his attitude towards the club and the manager it makes sense for Daniel Levy to extract the most he can out of any proposed deal.
Pochettino must then recruit wisely with the money gained from Vertonghen’s sale in January.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
Fancy a flutter? Sign up today to claim up to £100 in free bets.
