Tottenham identify former Chelsea defender as Vertonghen replacement

Tottenham have earmarked Bournemouth defender Nathan Ake as their top long-term replacement for Jan Vertonghen, claims The Sun.

Mauricio Pochettino has one eye on the future and is eye to secure Vertonghen’s successor next summer.

Vertonghen, who is currently sidelined until December, is out of contract at the end of the current campaign when he will be 32.

The Belgium international is now entering the twilight of his career and Tottenham want to sign Ake from Bournemouth.

Bournemouth made Ake a club-record signing in 2017 after the Netherlands international was deemed surplus to requirements at Chelsea.

Ake has been thoroughly impressive for Bournemouth and is valued at around £40m.

The 23-year-old has played every minute of Bournemouth’s impressive start to the Premier League, where they are one point behind Tottenham in sixth.

In fact, since making the permanent switch to Dean Court, Ake has only failed to start one Premier League game for the Cherries.