Tottenham Transfer News: Jan Vertonghen Contract Latest, Ryan Sessegnon Rumours

Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino on Friday revealed star centre-back Jan Vertonghen is in line to be handed a new contract. Elsewhere, former Fulham midfielder Jimmy Bullard has backed Ryan Sessegnon to complete a big-money move to Spurs.

Speaking to the press ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash with Crystal Palace, Pochettino was full of praise for Vertonghen and let it be known a new deal could be en route: "The club believes that he needs to be rewarded. He is one of the important players in the side."

Vertonghen has been a star for Tottenham since his 2012 arrival from Ajax and has helped the team cope during Toby Alderweireld's injury woes this season, forming an effective partnership with Davinson Sanchez.

Alderweireld, another of Spurs' Belgian stars, has been hailed as one of the best defenders in England since coming to north London in 2015. But ESPN FC columnist Ben Pearce recently posted a poll that suggested many feel Vertonghen is the more essential figure:

Pochettino went on to say his central defender has improved considerably on the mental aspect of his game, which now matches up more closely with his considerable physical attributes:

"Now he realises he is so strong, he looks like a 20-year-old because when he runs he is faster, he is like my new dog [a Rhodesian ridgeback]. It is easy for him to run.

"Physicality is his talent. It is genetic. He runs easily, he is fast – it is his natural condition. He is an athlete. It is up to him, but he could play until he is 40 because his physical condition comes very naturally to him."

Spurs once again boast one of the best defences in the Premier League this term, not to mention the joint-second-best home defence, conceding only nine goals at Wembley Stadium. That record is behind only that of second-place Manchester United, who have conceded five goals at Old Trafford this season.

Vertonghen will turn 31 in April, and his deal is due to run out in the summer of 2019, but Ben McAleer of WhoScored.com also recently suggested new terms would be deserved:

Pochettino's comments regarding Vertonghen's longevity are particularly important considering the Belgium international's age, suggesting the club could be willing to offer the player another long-term contract regardless.

Meanwhile, Soccer AM host and former Premier League playmaker Bullard recently heaped praise on Cottagers star and reported Tottenham target Sessegnon, a player he believes could move this summer for up to £50 million.

Bullard spoke of his firsthand experience witnessing Sessegnon's talent up close in a recent post for BetBright (h/t Alasdair Gold of Football.London):

"I've got to be honest, I've kept my eye on Ryan Sessengon for a while and when I was shooting ‘You Know The Drill' for Soccer AM, he took part against me and you can just tell how naturally gifted he is.

"He's already scored 12 goals from left-back this season all out of neutral play and again, I'm not surprised to hear the rumours of a potential move to Spurs in the summer.

"After some thought, if I was the boy's Old Man, I'd think that's absolutely the right move for him at this stage of his career. Let's have it right, Fulham won't let him go for nothing – the asking price will be between £30-£50 million – so if Spurs do shell out that amount of cash then there's no way he's not playing."

Sessegnon has advanced further up the pitch from left-back to succeed at left wing this season, and BT Sport Score recently posted evidence to suggest the transition has worked wonders:

Gold's report also acknowledged the opinion of former Fulham striker Leroy Rosenior, who has spoken of his belief Spurs already have a deal agreed to sign Sessegnon.

The 17-year-old has scored 12 times in 33 Championship appearances this season, and Fulham may struggle to resist interest if offers on par with Bullard's valuation of the England under-19 international start to roll in.