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Tottenham Hotspur: Danny Mills believes Jose Mourinho may bench Poch favourite as news emerges
Danny Mills believes Jose Mourinho may keep Tottenham ace Jan Vertonghen on the bench for the rest of the season as he approaches the end of his contract.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Manchester City right-back suggested some players effectively go on strike as they look to run down their deals and added Mourinho could leave Vertonghen out of the first team.
Last month, sources told the outlet the Belgian has rejected Spurs’ offer of a new extension and has started to learn a new language as he angles for a move.
The Premier League recently announced contracts can be extended until the end of the season, due to the economic uncertainty surrounding the ongoing pandemic.
Vertonghen was a firm favourite of former boss Mauricio Pochettino, racking up over 200 appearances for the Argentine, but his contract is set to expire in June and he is interested in an offer from Real Betis.
Mills claimed Mourinho will be reluctant to select the defender as he is likely to leave in the upcoming transfer window.
He told Football Insider: “There will definitely be a reluctance, without a shadow of a doubt. It will come down to the individual and whether the manager trusts the player.
“Aaron Ramsey was magnificent for Arsenal and everybody knew he was leaving but he still put a shift in. He did not shirk any challenges or shy away from anything and got injured because of that as well.”
“It is very difficult to put every player in that category because they will all have their own agenda. They all have their own reasoning for doing things.”
Whilst Vertonghen has been a loyal servant of the club, it seems likely that the veteran will end his eight-year-spell in North London in the summer.
Who is the best Tottenham Hotspur defender of the Daniel Levy era?
Jan Vertonghen
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Although Spurs could face an exodus of centre-backs when the transfer market opens, as Juan Foyth has also been linked with an exit, it is unlikely this will bother the Portuguese.
Indeed, Alasdair Gold revealed the head coach is convinced Eric Dier can plug the gap at the back, given his experience and versatility.
It is also worth remembering Daniel Levy cashed in on Christian Eriksen after the Danish international rebelled over his contract.
As Vertonghen appears to have made up his mind, Mourinho could look to experiment with defensive pairings in the remaining fixtures before the start of next season.
Tottenham fans, do you think the board should let Vertonghen leave in the summer? Let us know down below!
