Blow for Tottenham! Barcelona could come calling for star defender

Posted Sunday, July 20, 2014 by Talksport.co.uk

Barcelona have set their sights on Tottenham centre-back Jan Vertonghen this summer as the Catalan giants look to add to their defensive options, according to talkSPORT's La Liga expert Graham Hunter.

Barca are long-term admirers of the Belgium international, who impressed at the World Cup and has admitted he would consider his long-term future at Spurs after returning from Brazil.

New Barca manager Luis Enrique is looking to overhaul his squad this summer following the side's first trophyless season in six years, and Hunter believes 27-year-old Vertonghen is high on the Spaniard's wanted list.

"Barcelona are very firmly on the record as saying they will buy at least two defenders this summer, one out and out centre-half and one who can perform in multiple positions," he told Transfer Tavern.

"One of those could be Netherlands international Daley Blind, but Jan Vertonghen has also been linked to the Nou Camp."

"By no means is there business ongoing with Spurs for Vertonghen, but I know from the club that he is a player they respect, they like and is on their list, so they may try to buy him."

"Barca believe he is a player who brings excellence at centre-back and at full-back, he can play at a pinch in midfield, he brings height and power and they like his style of football."

"These are feelings which only increased during the World Cup."