Napoli could test Spurs’ resolve with Vertonghen bid

JAN VERTONGHEN is a summer transfer target for Napoli as the Italian club plan to overhaul their defence.

Napoli’s back four has proved their Achilles heel in Serie A this season and they are keen to make changes at the end of the campaign — irrespective of whether Rafael Benitez remains their manager.

Napoli considered a move for Vertonghen, who is under contract at Tottenham until the summer of 2018, last June, only to decide against making a formal offer.

But sources in Italy have indicated to Standard Sport that the Belgian is back on their radar. Despite some shaky performances this season, it is believed Spurs have no immediate plans to sell Vertonghen.

The 27-year-old has captained the side at times during the campaign and has established himself as Mauricio Pochettino’s first-choice centre-back.

And having signed the player for £9million three years ago, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy would seek a substantial profit were he to consider a sale.

Yet there are reasons for Napoli to believe a deal is possible.

Vertonghen said last September that he would not be signing a new deal at White Hart Lane, after the club chose to activate an option to extend the contract by two years to 2018.

At the time, Vertonghen said: “I am not signing, no. We agreed not to. I would prefer not to say why. I am happy at the club and I think they are happy with me.”

Vertonghen has also told friends that he is keen to test himself in Serie A at some stage during his career.

Vertonghen earns about £40,000 a week at Spurs, which would pose little problem for Napoli. Top earner Gonzalo Higuain collects a weekly wage of £150,000 but the majority of the squad come in around the £30,000 mark.