Tottenham Hotspur face increased competition to sign Jannik Vestergaard this summer with clubs in Spain, Italy and Germany tracking the Southampton defender, per The Athletic.
Vestergaard has shone at Euro 2020 to help Denmark reach the quarter-finals and a clash with the Czech Republic. His efforts have also offered potential suitors the chance to see the towering defender as they weigh up moves to capitalise on an uncertain Saints future.
The 28-year-old has entered the final year of his £60,000-per-week contract at St Mary’s. He will either now sign a new deal to stay with the Saints, or leave the south coast this summer. What Southampton will not allow is for Vestergaard to hold out and leave for free next year.
Southampton paid Borussia Monchengladbach £18m for Vestergaard in 2018 and refuse to see no return on their investment. They accept it will be a challenge to recoup most of their money, but intend to request as close to it as possible.
Interest from across the consentient could help the Saints hold out for a lucrative fee, as well. Sky Sports noted Tottenham had approached Southampton to discuss Vestergaard in May, as the north London side assessed the market for potential centre-half targets.
The Athletic support the claims of Spurs’ interest, and add the 72-day search for Jose Mourinho’s successor delayed any plans. But Daniel Levy would now face increased competition, with sides in Spain, Italy and Germany all on alert.
Southampton also expect Vestergaard will sign a new contract later in the year if Tottenham or their rival suitors do not come forward. However, for now, the 27-cap enforcer is giving Euro 2020 and Denmark his full focus ahead of the quarter-finals.
Tottenham delayed chance to sign Southampton star Vestergaard
Levy’s long-running pursuit of the ideal manager may have cost Tottenham their chance to sign Southampton star Vestergaard. Now, after shining at the Euros, he will likely have his choice of suitors and customers for the Saints.
The Denmark defender had already shown his credentials in the Premier League with the Saints. He left Arsenal icon Martin Keown very impressed last season, after adding goals to his game as well as an ability to pull the strings like a quarterback at centre-back.
“It’s his passing. It reminds me of Van Dijk,” Keown told talkSPORT. “I call it a stationary platform. When you don’t run with the ball you stop and when you look at those two, the way the ping balls, the way he threads things into midfield, the challenges, he’s a big man.”
Southampton will not want to lose Vestergaard – and certainly not for free – but Tottenham will face a lot of competition. Now, Nuno Espirito Santo must decide if he agrees with Spurs targeting the centre-back or if he has other targets.
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