Barcelona race for Vertonghen

Barcelona are pondering summer move for Jan Vertonghen, El Mundo Deportivo understands.

The highly rated defender is without a doubt the most sought-after player in Europe at the moment, with a host of high-profile clubs battling for the player’s signature.

The Belgian defender, who was voted MVP of the Eredivisie season 2011/2012, has been heavily linked with Arsenal and Tottenham, but El Mundo Deportivo claims Barcelona are also keen.

Ajax coach Frank de Boer, a former Barcelona player, has recommended Vertonghen to Barca chiefs and he even publicly urged the player to move to Camp Nou.

The interesting thing is that entire Ajax squad, Vertonghen included, are currently in Barcelona on vacation and the Catalans could take advantage of this opportunity to talk to the Belgian.

According to El Mundo Deportivo, Ajax value the player at €12 million, which is a small price to pay for a player who can play at centre-back, left-back or in the centre of the park.