Jan Vertonghen to make move to Barcelona?

Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen has instructed his agent to negotiate for a summer exit out of White Hart Lane. Eyefootball can exclusively reveal that Barcelona are amongst the teams scouting the Belgian international.

With Carles Puyol ready to quit the Nou Camp at the end of the season, the Catalan side are scouring Europe to find a suitable replacement for their long serving captain. Jan Vertonghen surprised many when he completed a transfer to Tottenham from Ajax, but after two less than fruitful seasons at Spurs the Belgian is reportedly seeking pastures new. 

The 26-year-old versatile defender had also been linked with a move to Bayern Munich, where he has been suggested as a long term replacement for his fellow countryman Daniel Van Buyten. However, Bayern's interest appears to have cooled as news of Barcelona's first enquiry has reached the Bavarian side.

Vertonghen has a further three years remaining on his deal at the Lane but has been very open and gone public with his opinion that he has to leave Tottenham should his club be unable to secure Champions League football for a second season.

Vertonghen also has one eye on the World Cup in the summer and the defender is certain that a good performance in Brazil is likely to improve his chances of a swift exit away from Spurs, albeit at a hefty price tag that Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is known to require before selling any of his first team players.