Jan Vertonghen

Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport report that Barcelona are following the progress of Ajax central defender Jan Vertonghen .

The 22-year-old has been one of Ajax ’s most impressive performers this season and Dutch legend Johan Cruyff has recommended Vertonghen to Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola.

Vertonghen is hugely versatile, although predominantly a central defender he can also play in either full back position or in midfield.

Real Madrid have also been linked with Vertonghen in recent seasons and Ajax would be keen to hold on to the defender whose contract in Amsterdam expires at the end of season 2011/2012.