Transfer News: Manchester United poised to sign Toby Alderweireld in £40 million deal

Manchester United have reportedly made headway in pursuit of Toby Alderweireld, who looks primed to leave Tottenham this summer.

According to a report by London Evening Standard, Manchester United are confident of completing a deal for Toby Alderweireld in the summer transfer window. The Premier League runners-up have stepped up their pursuit of the Tottenham defender and are prepared to pay over £40 million to sign him.

Alderweireld has been a core member of the Tottenham squad that has taken the Premier League, and lately Europe, by storm under Mauricio Pochettino. His steady and reliable presence at the back has seen him being regarded as one of the best central defenders in Europe, although the season gone by saw him struggle quite a bit.

While injuries restricted his appearances to a great extent, a contract standoff with Tottenham has seen him go out of Pochettino’s plans since the turn of the year. As a result, Alderweireld has featured just 21 times this season, and his uncertain situation has piqued the interest of clubs like Manchester United, Chelsea, PSG and others.

Spurs had been hoping to tie Alderweireld to a new contract upon the end of their campaign last week, with just two years remaining on his current deal. But, talks have now broken down, with the player on a holiday in Greece, and he is now edging to a move away from Spurs, with Manchester United the leaders in his pursuit.

Jose Mourinho does have a number of centre-backs at his disposal, with as many as seven players capable of playing at the heart of the Manchester United defence once Axel Tuanzebe returns from his loan spell at Aston Villa.

But, the Manchester United manager has time and again aired his grievances regarding the defensive unit’s shortcomings, especially in recent months, with the side becoming increasingly dependent on David De Gea to keep shut-outs.

As a result, there have been suggestions that one or two centre-backs could be on their way out of Old Trafford in the summer, with Victor Lindelof possibly going on a season-long loan spell as well. This would make room for Manchester United to bolster their defence, making Alderweireld a viable target.

That Tottenham’s hand would be forced due to a £25 million release clause that will be activated next summer has also played a part in Alderweireld becoming available in the coming window. Manchester United are prepared to pay over £40 million to land the Belgian defender, making it a tempting deal for Spurs.

Spurs aren’t too concerned over the player’s departure either, with Matthijs De Ligt heavily linked with a move to the club in a £50 million deal. As far as Alderweireld himself is concerned, Manchester United are ready to offer him a considerably more lucrative contract than the £120,000-a-week deal Tottenham had offered him as their final offer.

The only stumbling block for Manchester United could be their frosty relationship with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy over the years, which could provide the impetus to other suitors to swoop the player away.

But, the Red Devils are fancying their chances of landing Alderweireld, and it remains to be seen if the deal can be concluded before he departs to Russia with the Belgium National Side for the World Cup.