Manchester United

Tottenham demands in Alderweireld/Martial swap could see talks crumble – report

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Tottenham risk seeing negotiations over a stunning swap deal involving Toby Alderweireld and Manchester United’s Anthony Martial collapse easily if they make an ultimatum, according to the Telegraph.

The newspaper report that the Lilywhites are keen on using the Belgian defender, who looks set to depart this summer anyway, as a makeweight in a deal for Martial, who himself is likely to be out the exit door, although not to one of United’s Premier League rivals.

However, it is said that if Mauricio Pochettino was to demand the Red Devils’ forward was included as part of a deal, then discussions could break down and Jose Mourinho would turn away from the 29-year-old in pursuit of other central defensive reinforcements.

Good move for Tottenham and Manchester United?

Spurs need another striker to help back Harry Kane up front and bringing in someone like Martial, who can operate as a winger on other days, would mean killing two birds with one stone.

The Manchester United man has been rather cruelly outcast by Mourinho and there are so many clubs who would love to have a player of his calibre among their squads – Tottenham included.

It would make sense that Pochettino would try offer Alderweireld as part of a deal for the young Frenchman and that could work out in both sides’ favours, although of course Spurs are getting a player with his whole future ahead of him, while United are getting a man who is at the peak of his abilities.

As such, Spurs win this one.

This is Futbol rating: Tottenham – 8/10, United – 6/10

Likely to happen?

It certainly does not sound like it will.

United are reportedly unwilling to give Martial away to one of their top flight rivals and that is wise considering how embarrassing it would be were he to become a huge success.

Sending him overseas is their preferred option, although that could mean missing out on Alderweireld, which would also be a blow.

It looks as though it is going to be hanging in the balance.

This is Futbol rating: 5/10

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