Manchester City are lining up a January swoop for Toby Alderweireld following his Tottenham contract stalemate, according to ESPN FC.
The football site claim that City are keeping a close eye on the centre-back after manager Pep Guardiola is made the signing of a new centre-back his main priority in the winter window.
ESPN FC report that Alderweireld is high on the wanted list of City after they became aware that negotiations over an extension to his Tottenham contract, which expires in 2019, have stalled.
Good move for Tottenham?
Certainly not. 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 certain, he is irreplaceable and chairman Daniel 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.
This Is Futbol rating: 1/10
Likely to happen?
The scary thing for Spurs fans is that, yes, there is a definite possibility. Having already watched right-back Kyle Walker make a £50million-plus transfer to City, they will be livid should there be an inkling that Alderweireld could follow suit. The 28-year-old is at the peak of his powers and, as his agent has pointed out with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer, Europe’s premier clubs are primed if Spurs don’t offer him the type of contract that he could command elsewhere.
This Is Futbol rating: 5/10