Jan Vertonghen raves about reported Tottenham transfer target

Jan Vertonghen has heaped praise on Shane Long amid the transfer speculation linking the Republic of Ireland striker with a move to Tottenham Hotspur this summer.

Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino is believed to be on the lookout for a number of attacking signings as he prepares his side for a return to the Champions League next season.

The Tottenham manager is looking to help Spurs build on their impressive campaign last term, as they ended up in third place in the Premier League table.

Southampton striker Long has been touted as a possible target for the north London club this summer.

And Vertonghen’s latest comments about the forward are likely to do little to quell the speculation linking him with a move to White Hart Lane.

Vertonghen told a news conference on Friday ahead of Belgium’s clash with the Republic of Ireland at Euro 2016: “For me he is the main man for them. I find him one of the best strikers in the Premier League.

“He is very mobile, very direct, and he has a good head. Hopefully we can stop them [Ireland].”

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Tottenham were pipped to second place in the Premier League table by local rivals Arsenal on the final day of the campaign.