OPINION
Daniel Levy will be hailed a genius if Tottenham succeed in signing Paris Saint-Germain defender Thomas Meunier in part-exchange for Toby Alderweireld.
The all-Belgian swap is a deal mooted in the Daily Telegraph after Spurs’ decision to extend Alderweireld’s contract sparked interest in the centre-back from the French champions.
Spurs face the prospect of losing their 2015 signing this year as his 12-month extension includes a clause that allows him to leave the new White Hart Lane for £25million during the summer.
A January exit is a possibility, as it affords the last opportunity for Tottenham to secure a £40million-plus fee for one of the most reliable defenders in the Premier League.
What is certain is that there will be a stampede of interest in the player in the summer window, even though he will turn 30 between now and then.
Given that Tottenham are braced for the exit of the Belgium international after contract talks reached an impasse this time last year, thoughts have turned to potential defensive replacements.
Spurs are well served at centre-back, where Jan Vertonghen and Davinson Sanchez have been Alderweireld’s main partners this season, while Ben Davies, Eric Dier and rising star Juan Foyth have all been deployed there with some success.
A greater concern for many fans are the full-back positions.
Serge Aurier and Kieran Trippier have been hit and miss at right-back this season, and their lack of defensive solidity is a glaring issue and a real concern for supporters.
Meunier, 27, is a mainstay of the PSG side that lead Ligue 1 by a mammoth 13 points and have qualified for the Champions League knockout stages from a group that included Liverpool and Napoli.
The 36-times Belgium international is a far better defender than Trippier and Aurier, and just as good going forward.
He has scored six times for his country and has an impressive scoring and assists record at PSG and former employers Club Brugge.
Spurs fans will be shattered at losing Alderweireld, but they could live with it if transfer chief Levy brokers deal for Meunier to head the other way.