Tottenham Hotspur open Jan Vertonghen talks

Tottenham Hotspur have begun discussions with Ajax defender Jan Vertonghen over a summer switch to White Hart Lane.

The Belgian international is rumoured to be a target of Spurs' North London rivals Arsenal, but Harry Redknapp has made the first move in the bid for his signature.

Vertonghen, who only has a year left on his contract with the Dutch giants, is reportedly available for around £7m.

Spurs sent scouts to watch the 22-year-old in Europa League action against Manchester United earlier this season and Redknapp is now keen to tie up a deal, according to reports in Holland.

Vertonghen has openly expressed his interest in playing in the Premier League, with Chelsea and Newcastle United also admirers.