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The departure of Ajax’s star defender Jan Vertonghen looks imminent, after several reports over the past few weeks have linked the giant stopper to several of the top English clubs, most notably Manchester United. The Belgian has been given a vote of confidence by his coach at Ajax Frank de Boer, who feels that Vertonghen is ‘nearly’ at the level of the English champions.

The defender impressed United manager Sir Alex Ferguson as well as his current boss de Boer when these two sides met last week in the Europa League. He praised his defensive stalwart in an interview with De Telegraaf. He said, “Jan is already close to the level of Manchester United and he can still improve.

“Especially as he moves forward through the midfield, he is so dangerous. He sometimes does that too little in my eyes. That’s a shame, because then his qualities are more conspicuous.”

United are not the only side interested in the 24-year old. Arsenal too are keen on him, as they wish to link him to fellow Belgian international and former Ajax team-mate Thomas Vermaelen at the heart of Arsenal’s defense.

Liverpool and Tottenham are also credited with a move for Vertonghen, as Tottenham scouts were reportedly in the stands watching Vertonghen in action against United.