Football Express News understands that Tottenham Hotspur have rejected Barcelona’s bid for defender Jan Vertonghen.
Barcelona’s search for a new central defender is continuing to rumble on during the transfer window but they made their interest in Spurs defender Vertonghen concrete on Monday after submitting a serious bid.
Further on Monday, it was understood that the Belgian defender would sign a four-year contract should he join the Catalan side, citing his excitement of playing in the Champions League.
However, two days later and such a move has now been ended by Spurs, who are understood to be unwilling to sell the former Ajax man this summer.
Vertonghen was heavily criticised by Spurs fans last season for some under par performanes but with two years remaining on his current deal, it is understood that new boss Mauricio Pochettino wants to get the best out of the Belgian international.
Meanwhile, Barcelona have moved their interest to Valencia defender Jeremy Mathieu, who it is understood they are willing to pay his release clause, with new Los Che boss Nuno commenting on his future.
“The thing about Mathieu is no secret. We know that he is wanted by a great club who are willing to pay the termination clause,” Sport reports Nuno as saying.
“For us the clause is non-negotiable. If there’s a possibility [he could leave] we need to see other options and be prepared for that.
“We love Mathieu and believe he is the best centre-back in the world, but these things happen.”