Tottenham Hotspur defender Jan Vertonghen has confirmed he has opted against signing a contract extension with the club, but insisted he is not seeking a move away from White Hart Lane.
The 27-year-old was subject of big interest from Barcelona this summer as the Catalans were desperate to replace their former captain Carlos Puyol who has retired.
A move for Vertonghen failed to materialise and the versatile defender has only featured twice for Spurs this season, leaving question marks over his long-term future at the club.
The exit rumours were strengthened after the Belgium international confirmed he had rejected the chance to extend his current four-year deal by an extra season, although the centre-back insisted he is happy to remain with the Premier League outfit.
“I am not signing, no,” he said. “We agreed not to. Why? I would prefer not to say. I still have four years left. I am happy at the club and I think they are happy with me. That’s where it ends.”
Despite not being a regular started for Tottenham this season, the defender is still involved with the Belgium national side and his home nation are 1.21 to win Group B in their European 2016 Championship qualifiers. Bosnia-Herzegovina are the second favourites to finish top at 6.50, with Andorra the ranks outsiders at 4001.00.
Spurs take on Arsenal on Saturday as Premier League action returns after the mid-week cup matches, and Vertonghen will most likely have to settle for a place on the bench once more.
Captain Younes Kaboul is expected to partner Vlad Chiriches at the heart of defence against their fierce rivals, although manager Mauricio Pochettino could make changes after the 1-0 home defeat to West Brom last Sunday.
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