Tottenham Hotspur: Jan Vertonghen 'set for new contract' worth £50,000-a-week

The Belgian international defender is recuperating from a medial knee ligament injury

Tottenham Hotspur are confident of persuading defender Jan Vertonghen to sign a new contract in the coming weeks, according to reports.

The Belgian international defender is recuperating from a medial knee ligament injury picked up against Crystal Palace in January but has continued talks with Spurs after proving to be instrumental to their fine defensive record this season.

That record has been the foundations of their title challenge this season and, according to the Evening Standard, Vertonghen will be rewarded for his efforts with a pay-rise.

The 28-year-old is thought to currently earn in the region of £39,000-a-week in North London but Tottenham are prepared to increase that figure to £50,000.

Meanwhile Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger insists the Premier League title race is “far from over” following the 2-2 draw with Mauricio Pochettino’s side on Saturday.

Alexis Sánchez’s late equaliser in the derby at White Hart Lane prevented Tottenham from going five points clear of their bitter foes but the Gunners have been subjected to intense scrutiny in light of their recent troubles.

Wenger said: “The championship is far from over. I’d just remind you we’ve beaten Leicester twice and have done our job against them. People should look at other teams. We will not give up and will fight until the end.”