Newcastle United plan to bid for Ajax captain Jan Vertonghen.

The Sun says St James' Park boss Alan Pardew is targeting the Belgian international after a string of injuries to his defenders.

And Toon officials have now contacted Vertonghen's advisors about the 24-year-old, who has also caught the eye of rivals Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham.

Vertonghen helped Ajax win the Eredivisie title last season with the Dutch giants due to face Manchester United in the Europa League in February.