The agent of Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld is jetting in to London today in a bid to engineer the player’s exit from the club, according to the Times.
The newspaper claim the representative of the Belgium international is scheduled to touch down in the capital to “try to push for a move” after extensive links with Manchester United this summer.
The Times report Alderweireld could yet secure a move overseas, with Italy one possibility, if United do not make an offer that matches Spurs’ valuation.
Good move for Tottenham?
Selling Alderweireld overseas would be a more palatable prospect for Tottenham than a move to top-four rivals Man United. But neither, in all honesty, would be of great benefit to the club. Defenders with Alderweireld’s combination of experience, class, presence and mobility – not to mention, outstanding ball skills – are thin on the ground. Proven in the Premier League, there has been no better centre-back since his move from Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2015. Little wonder Spurs value him at £50million-plus. Would an overseas club be willing to pay that after he was frozen out by Mauricio Pochettino in the second half of last season? It’s unlikely. United offer Tottenham their best chance of a mega fee for the Belgian, but it would hardly be great business.
This Is Futbol rating 3/10
Likely to happen?
It is increasingly inevitable Alderweireld will quit Tottenham this month. But he might not necessarily leave today. The European window remains open until the end of the month, and if United don’t up their bid, that is looking the best avenue for an exit for the defender.
This Is Futbol rating 7/10