Tottenham should sell in-demand Toby Alderweireld if they are not willing to offer him the “appropriate” contract he deserves.
That is the bombshell verdict of the players’s agent Stijn Francis, who advises the Belgium international along with his father Vic, in the wake of the summer transfer window.
Francis insisted that Alderweireld is wanted by eight top clubs across the globe as a result of his peerless form since making the switch from Atletico Madrid to Tottenham in the summer of 2015.
It has been widely reported that talks over a new contract for the 28-year-old have hit a stalemate and there is no sign of an agreement.
“When you look at Toby’s statistics, they are impressive,” Francis said, as quoted by the Sun. “Either he deserves an appropriate contract, or else he should be given a transfer.
“Seven or eight big European clubs are interested in signing him.
“There are not many central defenders around who can play like he can.
“But these clubs will have to negotiate with Tottenham’s chairman, Daniel Levy.”
Alderweireld is said to be holding out for a massive upgrade on his current £50,000-a-week contract, which has two more years remaining plus an option for a further 12 months.
OPINION
Spurs fans who have welcomed new signing Davinson Sanchez will now fear that he is joining to replace Alderweireld in the medium term rather than play alongside him. The Belgian’s status as one of the Premier League’s outstanding centre-backs is unquestionable. Indeed, many White Hart Lane regulars have gone so far as to say he is head and shoulders above every other defender to represent the club in the last 30 years – and that includes the hallowed Ledley King. Sure, Alderweireld’s agent is making threats that will put the frighteners up many Spurs fans. What is for sure, he is irreplaceable and Levy must push the boat out to ensure he stays, even if that means making him their best-paid player ahead of Harry Kane and Hugo Lloris.