Toby Alderweireld was supposedly the signing that Jose Mourinho had wanted last summer but Manchester United denied his request. Now they are said to have thought the idea is a good one, perhaps Ole Gunnar Solskjær has told them that this is what he wants. This is of course without the Director of Football and full time management announcements being made. The latter seems to be a decision that we all know what the outcome will be, nothing about the former yet.
Back to Alderweireld, United could snatch him for £25m this summer due to a release clause triggered by Spurs in December. There’s very little that Spurs can do now to keep him, unless he signs a new contract keeping him with the North London club. United really need another defender and Alderweireld certainly fits the bill for what they need. It is thought that Eric Bailly will be sold to fund the purchase.
With United now looking to ramp up their interest in Alderweireld over the next couple of months, they have cooled interest in Ivan Rakitic. Paul Pogba is said to be happy to stay at Manchester United now and the club have cooled their interest in the Barcelona star.
Of course, Spurs might not want to sell to a domestic rival and there is interest in Alderweireld from Barcelona and Juventus. Since joining Spurs in 2015 Alderweireld has made more than 100 Premier League appearances, scoring five goals. He was heavily linked with a move away last summer but, after remaining with Spurs, he has started more League games than any other outfield player at the club this season.
Europa League tonight, FA Cup at the weekend and even more Premier League games too… gets everyone set for international break. Like it or hate it? See the latest odds for the international qualifiers.