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Tony Marshall/EMPICS Sport

Belgian defender Jan Vertonghen finally signs for Tottenham

The transfer of the Ajax star was a protracted affair.

Tottenham Hotspur have signed Ajax defender Jan Vertonghen for a fee possibly rising to €12million.

Both clubs had long been in talks over the possibility of the Belgium defender moving to White Hart Lane, and the deal is now set to be completed.

Vertonghen will ink a long-term contract with Spurs upon completion of his medical.

“I’m very happy that the saga’s finally over. I don’t have to worry about anything anymore, and can focus on other things again,” the 25-year-old told the Ajax website.

“It’s great that I can start at Spurs during pre-season. That was very important for me. I’m looking forward to a great time. I’ve heard a lot of beautiful stories about Tottenham.”

Vertonghen came through the ranks of the Ajax youth academy, and has made 220 official appearances for the Eredivisie champions, scoring 28 goals in the process.

Meanwhile, Spurs striker Giovani dos Santos insists he is remaining calm over his future as his agent seeks to secure him a move away from the club.

The Mexican moved to north London from Barcelona in 2008 but failed to break through under Harry Redknapp and has been loaned out three times.

However, the 23-year-old claims he is not yet ‘desperate’ to leave and has reiterated that he will continue to act professionally should he have to stay.

“The window closes at the end of August and I am calm, I’m not getting desperate,” Dos Santos told Record.

“I’m still a Tottenham player and if there is no other option, I’ll stay and do my best like I have always done.

“I can’t complain. I have learnt a lot at Tottenham, the team have great quality, and it won’t be a bad thing if I have to stay.

“Nothing concrete has come as yet, we expect that will happen within the next few days.”

Dos Santos also maintained that his current focus is on Mexico’s campaign at the London 2012 Olympic Games and not his future.

“I’m very relaxed here with the national team (at a pre-Olympic training camp), my head is here and my agent is dealing with everything,” he said.

“I am trying to keep myself away from it all and focus here, to be 100 per cent and not get worried about the clubs.

“There are obviously options, but I’m relaxed. I talk to my agent every day and he has told me to stay calm and that there will be news soon.”

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Tony Cuddihy
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