Belgium international Jan Vertonghen has been linked with a move away from Ajax

Transfer news: Jan Vertonghen says the Gunners are interested in buying him

Ajax defender Jan Vertonghen says he still wants to join Tottenham, but has warned that they could lose him to north London rivals Arsenal.

The Belgian had looked set to leave the Dutch champions, with Frank De Boer’s side keen to get some return on a player who could walk away for free at the end of next season.

However with Ajax demanding in excess of £12million, the two clubs have failed to come to an agreement.

“I’ve said repeatedly that Tottenham are my first choice, but the talks haven’t progressed,” Vertonghen told the Daily Star.

“They have shown me around, I have met all their key people and their chairman came to meet me on Monday.

“But Arsenal want me too. They remain a possibility if my Spurs move falls through, as Ajax are asking €15m for me. That is a lot of money for someone with just a year left on his contract.

“I’m sure Spurs won’t be able to pay that much after they missed out on the Champions League.

“Ajax want to get as much as they can for me, while Spurs want to pay as little as possible.

“I hope a deal can be done. But I won’t fight with Ajax, that is the last thing I’d want after so many good years with them.

“England is my preferred destination. But if needed I will see out my contract and leave on a free transfer next year.”