Jan Vertonghen has insisted that he has until 31st August, before the summer transfer window closes, to bring some clarity to his future.

 

The Belgian defender saw a fee agreed between current club Ajax and the side he wants to join, Tottenham Hotspur, recently – but the potential switch has ground to a halt due to a disagreement between Vertonghen and the Dutch club over a clause he feels entitles him to 15% of the transfer amount.

 

Vertonghen, who captained Ajax to the Eredivisie title last season, has even called in a sports lawyer to help with his claim.

 

The result is deadlock, with the centre back unwilling to move without the clause being honoured, and threatening to sit out the last year of his contract and then leave for free, and Ajax insisting the clause only applies to any amount over €20M; Tottenham agreed a €12M fee with the Amsterdam giants.

 

Now Vertonghen has reported back for pre-season training with Ajax and he is hunkering down for the long haul.

 

"Of course, this keeps me busy, but there is still no clarity", said the Belgian.

 

"Right now I play for Ajax and I will always give 100 per cent. I am a professional. And despite all the troubles, for me it is simply the start of a new season. And this starts for me at Ajax.

 

"It is of course impossible to say how long it takes, but well, before 31st August there must be clarity."

 

Vertonghen has just one year remaining on his current deal with Ajax, something the Belgian is sure to believe puts him in the driving seat over his future.

 

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