Manchester United 'plotting January swoop for Jan Vertonghen'

Manchester United are reportedly lining up a January bid for unsettled Tottenham Hotspur defender Jan Vertonghen.

The Belgium international is out of favour with Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino and is ready to leave White Hart Lane, according to The Mirror.

Vertonghen, who has three-and-a-half years remaining on his current contract, is expected to cost United around £18m.

However, Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal is also said to be eyeing up Aston Villa defender Ron Vlaar as a less costly alternative to Vertonghen.