OPINION
The recent development that Toby Alderweireld’s contract extension, as reported by the Evening Standard, contains a £25 million release clause has consigned many to the fact that the Belgian will probably be leaving Tottenham when it comes into effect.
If the suspicions are correct then Spurs will need to find a replacement for the 27-year-old, and bringing in Roma’s Kostas Manolas would be a masterstroke from Mauricio Pochettino.
According to a report in the Mirror, the Greek has a £30.5 million release clause written into his contract that would come into effect next summer, just as Alderweireld would be expected to depart.
In the current market climate £30.5 million would represent a steal for a player of the 27-year-old’s quality.
Few centre-backs can measure up to Alderweireld in terms of their ability and consistency, but Manolas is an absolute rock around which any defence could be built.
He is an international who is proven in Serie A as well as the Champions League, where he has made five appearances this season for Roma.
The Mirror suggests that Manchester United are interested in taking him to Old Trafford, but the Reds are also credited with interest in Alderweireld in the same article.
If United move for one, Spurs have to make sure they get the other. Whether that means keeping hold of Alderweireld or swooping for Manolas, they have to show a little bit of grit and ruthlessness in the transfer market to makes sure that they are not left without a world class defender.