Newcastle United are believed to be ready to mount a late swoop for Ajax centre back Jan Vertonghen.

 

The Belgian stopper has been heavily linked with Tottenham Hotspur, with some sources in Holland claiming that a deal to take the 24-year-old to White Hart Lane is all but complete.

 

There has also been speculation of interest from Barcelona in the Ajax captain, with the signs pointing to a January exit for the player.

 

The Eredivisie giants have even gone so far as to line up replacements for Vertonghen, with Inter defender Cristian Chivu favoured for a return to his old club.

 

New interest in Vertonghen has come from Newcastle boss Alan Pardew, who is ready to strengthen his squad in January as he seeks to ensure the Magpies do not slip down the Premier League table after an impressive start.

 

Were Pardew to firm up his initial admiration with a bid, then €12M would appear to be the going rate, with Spurs thought to have agreed to pay such an amount.

 

And should Newcastle have a bid accepted, then Vertonghen would have a difficult decision to make over his future.

 

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