Jan Vertonghen has hinted that he intends to stay at Tottenham Hotspur beyond the expiration of his contract in 2019.

The Belgium international's current deal is said to include an option for a further year, meaning that he will be 33 years old by the time it runs its course.

However, Vertonghen has declared that he intends to continue playing at the highest level for as long as possible.

"It's very hard to finish your career at this level. It demands a lot of your body," the Evening Standard quotes him as saying. "I will try and do what is possible to stay at this level for as long as I can.

"Not many can play here until 36-37 but I will do my best to stay as long as I can."

Vertonghen, who joined Spurs from Ajax in 2012, has scored five goals in 131 appearances in English football.