Tottenham Hotspur knock back Inter Milan approach for Jan Vertonghen

Tottenham Hotspur have told Inter Milan that they will not sell defender Jan Vertonghen in January, according to reports.

Vertonghen’s contract with Spurs expires at the end of the season, meaning he will be free to explore options with clubs abroad from January.

The Guardian report that Inter were hoping to land the Belgium international before the summer.

However, it’s claimed that the North London club are not willing to part with the 32-year-old and still hope he will extend his stay.

This means that the Serie A side will now approach the centre-back at the turn of the year as they hope to secure him on a pre-contract agreement.

Vertonghen has won just two of his six Premier League appearances this term.

Vertonghen hasn’t had the best of seasons to date at Tottenham and was dropped to the bench for the defeat at Liverpool on Sunday.

Since signing for the Premier League side back in 2012 from Ajax though, the defender has been a crucial player.

As well as playing close to 300 matches, the Belgian helped the club reach last season’s Champions League final, the 2015 League Cup final and finish in the top-four in the last four campaigns.