Mauricio Pochettino could plot a swoop to sign Manchester United centre-back Eric Bailly in the summer if Tottenham need to replace Toby Alderweireld, according to Team Talk.
The news outlet claims that Manchester City are keen on signing the Belgian defender, but United are confident that they can beat their rivals to the signature of the Spurs star.
It is understood that Tottenham could try and snap up a player from Old Trafford if Alderweireld does head in that direction, and 25-year-old Bailly is someone who would be considered.
Good move for Tottenham?
No way.
Alderweireld is one of the best centre-backs in European football and Tottenham cannot sign someone like Bailly to replace him in the summer transfer window.
The Ivory Coast international has been a flop at Old Trafford, appearing in just 11 Premier League fixtures this season due to fitness issues, suspensions and simply being out of the picture under both Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Spurs need to set their sights on players with much more quality and consistency if Alderweireld leaves.
Pochettino could improve Bailly, but he might not have the time to do that when the Belgium international is such a key part of the team.
This is Futbol rating 3/10
Likely to happen?
Man United might try and use Bailly in negotiations to soften the blow a bit for Tottenham if they do end up signing Alderweireld.
Solskjaer does have plenty of centre-backs in his squad so letting Spurs sign £80,000-a-week [Spotrac] Bailly may be a way to try and decrease the wage bill.
Due to Alderweireld’s £25million release clause, Pochettino might not have any control over where he heads, which could prove problematic in the pursuit of Bailly.
This is Futbol rating 5/10