Tottenham transfer news: Jan Vertonghen says Barcelona link 'pleases' him, but plays down exit talk

The centre-back has been linked with a move to the Nou Camp this summer

(GETTY IMAGES)

Jan Vertonghen has said speculation linking him with a move to Barcelona "pleases" him, but says there is no truth in rumours he wants to leave Tottenham.

The Belgium international, who impressed during the World Cup in Brazil, also revealed he has been offered a new five-year deal to stay at White Hart Lane.

"Rumours will always be there, but I just go back to Tottenham," Vertonghen told Belgian talk show Vive le Velo.

"Interest from a great club like FC Barcelona pleases me of course - this is confirmation that you're doing well.

"Where there's smoke, there's fire, they say, but for the moment there is certainly no fire."

There has been speculation that Vertonghen grew frustrated over the two years since he joined from Ajax after often being utilised elsewhere to centre-back.

The Belgium defender's agent suggested several clubs were interested in the 27-year-old, including Barcelona, whose influential centre-back Carles Puyol retired this summer.

New boss Mauricio Pochettino has already bolstered his back line with the signings of Ben Davies and Michel Vorm while first-choice goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has penned a new five-year contract.

Vertonghen, who has not yet returned to pre-season training following his exploits at the World Cup, also seems likely to commit his future to Tottenham.

"I still had a four-year contract but I see that they have offered me a new five-year contract as a great sign of confidence," Vertonghen told Belgian broadcaster Radio 1.

"It goes without saying that I would like to stay at Tottenham."