Jan Vertonghen is likely to sign a short extension to his current Tottenham Hotspur deal that will allow him to finish the season at the club, per The Athletic.

The Belgium international’s current deal expires at the end of the season but, of course, the COVID-19 pandemic has placed such contracts in doubt.

Most players whose deals are expiring will need to pen a new short-term deal to see out the season at their current clubs and Vertonghen is no exception.

Per the aforementioned report, he is likely to sign such a deal and conclude the season, with Jose Mourinho set to use him during the final nine games of the campaign.

The Athletic reports that he could be seen as a back-up rather than a first-team starter, however.

He is then likely to leave on a permanent basis; a move to Italy or Spain is said to be his preference.

The Belgium international has made 26 appearances in all competitions this season, though just 18 of them have been starts, per Transfermarkt.

GIVEMESPORT’S Harry Sherlock says…

This is a bit of a shame, really, and is likely to bring to an inauspicious end a genuinely superb Spurs career.

Vertonghen has been a wonderful servant for the club, making 311 appearances in total, and spending much of his time in north London as their first-choice centre-back.

This season, though, he has found it difficult at times; a performance against Southampton in the FA Cup saw him substituted and, per the report, almost reduced to tears, so disappointed was he in his showing.

There are still big clubs interested in him – Inter Milan, Roma, and Napoli have all been mentioned as possible suitors – and one has to feel that, given the current global pandemic and the financial crisis, Spurs could’ve done worse than keep him around for another season.

If he does sign a short-term deal, there is nothing saying he couldn’t impress and prove his worth; it may be his last chance.