Tottenham news: Jan Vertonghen set to commit future to Spurs as Mauricio Pochettino praises club's bright future

Vertonghen is set to become the eighth player to commit to Tottenham as the Argentine continues to implement his footballing vision at White Hart Lane

Darren Witcoop
Friday 23 September 2016 18:39 EDT
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Jan Vertonghen has established himself at the heart of Tottenham's defence alongside Toby Alderweireld
Jan Vertonghen has established himself at the heart of Tottenham's defence alongside Toby Alderweireld (Getty)

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Jan Vertonghen is set to become the eighth player to commit to Tottenham, with Mauricio Pochettino claiming the show of faith is vindication of the direction of the club.

Fresh from Kyle Walker signing on long-term yesterday, the Belgium centre-half will pledge his future to the Lillywhites in the coming days.

Tottenham have been regarded as a selling club in years, with the likes of Luka Modric and Gareth Bale among the big-name departures in recent years. But, under manager Pochettino, no first-team regular has been lured away during his three season spell.

With a new stadium on the way, these contract renewals come as further indication that Pochettino is getting it right at he looks to create a dynasty at White Hart Lane.

"The message is to win titles and show commitment and they are happy to be part of this project," said Pochettino, speaking ahead of Saturday's trip to Middlesbrough.

"That is the big message from them all.

"Stability and the players showing their commitment. To achieve big things it's important to have a good balance. Always it is important to have stability and the players show their commitment always to achieve big things. It is important to have the balance.

"It is important to keep the key players, always under my judgement.

"It is impossible to be all agreed (on those) but we need to be clear and I need to be clear under my judgement to keep the key players and all the players I believe can be important for the future of the club."

Pochettino says the England trio of Eric Dier, Dele Alli and Danny Rose, alongside the likes of Christian Eriksen, did not need much persuading.

"We need to provide the key players with a good environment a solid project and not to convince, but the players want to be part of this project. They need to feel that we are in a project we can win everything.

"Always you know it is difficult to win because only one team can win the Premier League.

"But they need to feel we are serious and consistent and very solid project and then they need to ask us to stay here, not that we need to convince them to stay.

"That is a very bad way when you need to convince the players to stay here, it is impossible to get success in the future.

Vertonghen in action for Spurs in the Champions League against Monaco
Vertonghen in action for Spurs in the Champions League against Monaco (Getty)

"They need to ask us to stay here. They need to be desperate to be part of us."

Spurs are among three Premier League teams who remain unbeaten, alongside Manchester City and Everton, and head to the Riverside where Pochettino will go head-to-head with Spaniard Aitor Karanka.

The pair are close friends having completed their coaching badges together and Pochettino added: "I think after two years they achieved promotion to the Premier League which is a fantastic job.

"He is still very young and know him very well. We did our coaching badges together . We have a very good relationship."

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