Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp has confirmed the club are interested in Ajax defender Jan Vertonghen, but denies talks have already begun ahead of a possible summer transfer.

The Belgian defender has been linked with a move to White Hart Lane and their north London rivals Arsenal in recent weeks, with the centre back having declared his future lies away from Eredivisie.

After Vertonghen's agent confirmed talks have begun between the two parties, Redknapp admitted that while he was interested in the defender, discussions hadn't started.

Jan Vertonghen
Vertonghen hasn't begun discussions over a move to Tottenham.

"He is a good player, a player I have looked at and watched," said Redknapp.

"I think there are a lot of clubs interested in him though. So, that is all. We haven't gone anywhere with it. We haven't spoken to the club.

"He is just a player I have watched, along with a lot of other players."

Spurs' summer transfer dealings are likely to be dictated by the club's ability to qualify for the Champions League, with only goal difference separating them from fifth place Newcastle United.

Having missed out on qualification for last season's Champions League, Tottenham will be keen to re-enter the competition for next term, with new players likely to be draw by the carrot of top level European football.

Their hopes of signing the likes of Vertonghen and Lille winger Eden Hazard will hinge on games against Aston Villa this weekend and Fulham on the final day of the season.

Redknapp's other work this summer will concern holding on to the members of his current squad, with striker Emmanuel Adebyaor, who scored twice against Bolton Wanderers on Wednesday night, due to return to Manchester City after his yearlong loan spell.

The Togolese international's wage demands could work as a major obstacle in Spurs' hopes of signing the forward permanently, and Redknapp says talks will begin when the season finishes.

"Of course I would," Redknapp replied, when asked if he wishes to keep Adebayor.

"I love Adebayor. He is a real character and a good player. We will have to see what the summer holds. I haven't spoken to the chairman about players.

"We haven't sat dow yet but he has done very well for us."

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