Belgian international defender Jan Vertonghen has expressed his desire to remain at Tottenham despite reported interest from La Liga giants Barcelona.

The 27-year-old moved to North London from Ajax in 2012 and made an immediate impact at White Hart Lane. The centre-back has scored four goals and made 57 appearances since joining Spurs. Following his inaugural season with the club, Vertonghen was named in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year.

With the retirement of Carlos Puyol last season, Barcelona have been targeting a number of potential replacements for the former Spain international at centre-back. Speculation in the Spanish press had the La Liga giants lining up a possible move for the Spurs defender.

But Vertonghen has expressed his desire to continue on at White Hart Lane.

“It goes without saying that I would like to stay at Tottenham Hotspur,” he told Belgian station Radio 1. “I still had a contract for four years. They offered me new contract of five years, I see as great sign of confidence.”

The Belgian has yet to return to pre-season training with Spurs following his participation in this summer’s World Cup in Brazil.

Vertonghen went on to reveal in his interview that he had been nursing an ankle injury leading into the tournament and pointed out that he needed to be more cautious with the knock in order to avoid missing significant time with Tottenham next season.

“I walked in the World Cup match against Argentina on an ankle injury,” he said.

“I want to be careful, because season like previous one where I jogged from one injury to another I absolutely want to avoid.”

Tottenham completed their tour of the United States last night by defeating the Chicago Fire, 2-0.

Spurs next friendly will be on August 2nd at Helsinki Olympic Stadium in Finland against Celtic Football Club.