Spurs vs Bayern

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino said defender Jan Vertonghen is “an important part of my project” as they prepare to face Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Vertonghen, 32, is yet to sign a new contract and his current one is set to expire next June.

“I am open to everything, but that is a dealing between the club, him and his agent,” said Pochettino.

Tottenham drew their opening Group B game with Olympiakos this month.

Vertonghen did not feature in Spurs’ first three Premier League games of the season but has started each of their past four and played the full 90 minutes in Greece.

The Belgian said he “would prefer not to go too deep” into the situation but admitted “there is always some movement” over negotiations on a new deal.

Vertonghen said: “I am very ambitious. I feel like I have a couple of good years left in me. I hope I can help the team.

“It is my eighth season here. I have had a great past and I am feeling great in every single way here. That is all I want to say on that.”

Manager Pochettino said he was not involved in the negotiations but is “open to everything”.

He added: “Let’s see what happens. Jan is always an important part of my project. That feeling isn’t going to change.”

Vertonghen is expected to be involved on Tuesday but midfielder Giovani lo Celso and defender Ryan Sessegnon remain out of contention for Spurs.

Bayern forward Jann-Fiete Arp, 19, has a hand injury and is the only player not available for the visitors.

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