Vertonghen looking forward playing for Spurs

New signing Jan Vertonghen believes Tottenham can push for the Premier League title this season.

The north Londoners were amongst the chasing pack last term before a loss of form towards the end of the campaign saw them end fourth.

Recently-appointed manager Andre Villas-Boas has been quick to talk up Tottenham's title credentials and those comments have been echoed by fellow newboy Vertonghen, who last week completed his move from Ajax.

"I am delighted to be here," he told Spurs TV. "Over the last years Spurs have become a very big club in England.

"They finished in the top four a few times and for me it was one of the best clubs in the Premier League and that is one of the reasons I wanted to come here.

"There is a lot of quality and I think everybody wants to make a good season.

"Last year in the first six or seven months, they were up there for the title, the championship.

"After that it was not that well, but this year I think we will compete a few more months longer."

Vertonghen has long been linked with a move to White Hart Lane and open about his desire to join the club despite reported interest from rivals Arsenal.

The departure of Harry Redknapp and appointment of Villas-Boas delayed his move to the club, but the 25-year-old is just pleased to finally be a Spurs player.

"I wish the Premier League started tomorrow," he said.

"I have to wait a bit longer but I am looking forward to starting and playing for Spurs.

"I am very excited. It has been my favourite competition for so many years.

"All the Belgian players I play with in the national team are very positive about it and I am looking forward to playing against them too."

Vertonghen joins Spurs from Ajax, with whom he won last season's Eredivisie player of the season award as he helped the Amsterdam club to the league title.

Spurs midfielder Rafael van der Vaart began his career with the Dutch club and Vertonghen revealed he spoke to him about moving to London.

"He left when I came to Ajax but I met him a few times and spoke with him about Spurs," the Belgium international said.

"He was very positive, gave me a great feeling about the club and was very positive about the club, about the players and the Premier League. I hope these stories are true."

PA