OPINION
The future of Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld was one of the big talking points of the summer transfer window, but despite all the speculation it came to nothing and he remains as a star player for the Lilywhites.
With nine appearances under his belt, it appears as though he and Mauricio Pochettino have patched up any differences from last season which has led to the Belgian’s return to the first team – but his contractual situation remains up in the air.
Heading towards the end of his current deal, an extension clause means he could stay an extra year, but Spurs would face a £25million release clause which would be activated – leaving the situation finely balanced heading into January.
It appears as though the club are looking at potential replacements for the experienced centre back, with the Telegraph reporting that Spurs, as well as Manchester United, are in the hunt for Bournemouth’s Nathan Ake, and while the Red Devils could pose a threat to their chances of signing the Dutch international, it could also trigger a transfer merry-go-round – which Spurs must make sure they have the last laugh in.
Alderweireld was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford over the summer and the Mirror claim that Jose Mourinho’s men could well launch a move again in January, leaving Spurs clear to sign Ake to fill the void.
If the Belgian was to join United, then Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof face an uncertain future, with the Telegraph casting uncertainty on their futures in the north west, and Bournemouth may well be keen to take either on loan to plug the gap left by Ake.
Chelsea could well play their part, with a reported buy-back deal in place for the Cherries’ defender, while Gary Cahill and Andreas Christiansen are said to be under pressure at Stamford Bridge, making it a complicated time in the hunt for defenders.
It seems as though January is to be about the battle for those at the back, but Tottenham need to make sure they are the ones who are laughing last, signing who they want while triggering the rest of the Premier League to take action.
A swoop for Ake and the exit of Alderweireld for a healthy price tag would leave them with beaming smiles in January.