Jan Vertonghen transfer to Tottenham falls through

Jan Vertonghen Ajax captain and Belgian international Vertonghen has been linked with a transfer to England or Spain for some time now. The 24-year-old has been converted into a centre-back for the Dutch giants but is equally adept at left-bac (GETTY IMAGES)

Jan Vertonghen is reported to be on his way back to Amsterdam for pre-season training with Ajax after a potential deal Tottenham Hotspur collapsed.

With still no one filling the void of Harry Redknapp’s departure, the bosses at Tottenham are battling hard to keep alive a £9.6m move for the 25-year old central defender.

The deal looked certain a couple of weeks ago, but Ajax are suddenly refusing to accept a clause in the Belgian’s contract entitling him to 15 per cent of the fee.

The player said: “As it looks now, I’ll be at Ajax on July 2. I’m hoping for a solution, but I’m not expecting a solution.

“This is a shame. I thought that it would be sorted out much sooner.

“I have one advantage: Ajax have got a good coach who knows me. I play in a good, stable squad. Let’s become champions with Ajax for the third time in a row.”

Although Vertonghen is settled in Ajax and has a close bond with the team, he was excited by the prospect of a move to the Premier League. Since this transfer debacle he has lost a little bit of faith in his club.

He goes on: “I’m shocked. The percentage is correct. It’s unbelievable.

“I know that at Ajax a lot of things are leaking. When you hear it about other football players, you don’t feel it. It’s different when it’s about yourself.”