Former Tottenham Hotspur defender Jan Vertonghen is set to sign for Benfica this summer. 

The 33-year-old is expected to complete a medical on Thursday before signing a three-year deal, according to BBC Sport. The 118-cap Belgium international is closing in on a move to the Portuguese side, having left Spurs at the end of last season after eight years with the north Londoners.

Recent reports revealed that Pep Guardiola's Manchester City were considering a shock move for the centre-back in the summer. The veteran had previously refused to rule out staying in the Premier League, but everything now points towards him moving to Portugal instead.

Benfica finished second in the Primeira Liga last term and the 37-time Portuguese champions will enter the Champions League at the third qualifying round.

The former Spurs star is now a free agent after his eight-year spell in north London came to an end, so it is hardly surprising that he has received so much attention at home and overseas.

Vertonghen, who was a firm favourite of former boss Mauricio Pochettino, fell afoul of his successor Jose Mourinho, as he earned his last start for the Lilywhites in July before being dropped to the bench for the remainder of the campaign.

Despite his age, the Belgian still has lots to offer, as he received the same WhoScored rating as his former Spurs teammate Davinson Sanchez in 2019/20..

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy may regret letting the club's loyal servant leave as the versatile player can play in the centre or at left-back. However, supporters should still be relieved that he has decided to move abroad rather than joining a domestic rival.

Vertonghen failed to win a single trophy at Tottenham, as he was part of the teams that lost to Liverpool in the Champions League final last year and Chelsea in the League Cup final back in 2015. However, he could have another chance to get his hands on some silverware outside of England as he enters the twilight of his career.

Tottenham fans, do you think Levy has made a mistake by letting Vertonghen leave? Let us know your views in the comments below!