Guardiola ready to make move for Vertonghen on free transfer

Tottenham centre-back Jan Vertonghen has emerged as a potential free-transfer signing for Pep Guardiola during Manchester City’s summer window.

City have a budget of £200million for new signings, although Vertonghen would not cost a penny in fees as he is out of contract.

The Belgium international, 33, is seen as a short-term solution in Guardiola’s defence and offers cover at left-back. His experience under Mauricio Pochettino and for his country means he is expected to adapt to City’s style of play.

Guardiola, whose team face Bournemouth tonight, will focus on strengthening his defence as a priority when the season finishes and is looking for a centre-back and left-back, with Vertonghen among the potential candidates after eight years with Spurs.

Roma and Inter Milan have considered taking him to Italy, while clubs Real Betis and Sevilla are monitoring his situation. Ajax looked at signing him for a fee in January, but interest has cooled.

The opportunity to stay in England, where Vertonghen has settled with his family, would tempt the veteran defender.

Vertonghen was a key part of Pochettino’s team who reached the Champions League final last season, but a new contract has not been agreed and he is poised to leave as a free agent at the end of the campaign.

City have Aymeric Laporte as their left-sided centre-back but Vertonghen would provide cover. Guardiola also has Nicolas Otamendi, John Stones and Eric Garcia but is looking for further options.