Lazio 'considering surprise move for Jan Vertonghen'

Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Jan Vertonghen has emerged as a shock rumoured summer transfer target for Serie A side Lazio.

The Belgium international is a key part of Mauricio Pochettino's plans at Spurs, being used 36 times in all competitions this season.

Lazio are in desperate need of cover at the back, however, with the experienced Stefan de Vrij confirming that he will move on at the end of the season once his contract comes to an end.

Corriere dello Sport claims that the Italians are eyeing up Vertonghen, who is one of the highest profile of the 10 names on their shortlist.

A formal offer is expected to be tabled at the end of the season but, even with just a year to run on the defender's contract at that point, the Lilywhites are expected to knock back the approach.

Atletico Madrid's Diego Godin and Ramiro Funes Mori have also been linked with Lazio.