Tottenham Hotspur step up Vertonghen chase

Tottenham Hotspur are ready to step up their chase for Ajax defender Jan Vertonghen.

The Premier League side sent a scout to watch the Belgian during his side's 2-0 Europa League defeat to Manchester United on Thursday.

Spurs could now make a bid for the 24-year-old in the summer, according to insidefutbol.com.

Vertonghen, who is under contract until 2013, earned glowing praise from his manager Frank de Boer after his performance in midweek.