Manchester United have reportedly tabled a take-it-or-leave-it offer worth £40 million to Tottenham in order to prise away Toby Alderweireld.
According to a report by Daily Mirror, Manchester United have made their final offer of the summer transfer window for Toby Alderweireld. The Red Devils have lodged a £40 million bid to Tottenham for the Belgian international before they turn their attention elsewhere.
It is common knowledge by now that Alderweireld is ready to call it quits at Tottenham after repeatedly rejecting renewal offers by the North Londoners over the last few months. With his Spurs future non-existential, Manchester United have been hot in pursuit of the Belgian international, who prefers a switch to Old Trafford as well.
Like Alderweireld’s position at Tottenham, Manchester United’s pursuit of a centre-back this summer has been well documented. Jose Mourinho is eager to land a defender who will not just add the required solidity but also be a leader in the backline.
To that end, Manchester United have been linked with a number of centre-backs, with the Belgian international being their priority target, and for good reason. With several years of experience in the English top flight, Alderweireld is a seasoned campaigner, whose ball playing abilities can add a new dynamic to Mourinho’s defensive unit.
However, Tottenham have played hardball in negotiations thus far, having barely budged from their initial valuation of the player. Spurs are now looking to recoup around £55 million for Alderweireld, but Manchester United do not agree with their valuation.
The 20-time English champions will only pay £40 million to land the Belgian international, with their final offer of the same value already tabled to Tottenham. If Daniel Levy knocks back the bid, Manchester United will then set their sights firmly on Jerome Boateng, over whom they are already in talks with Bayern Munich.
Meanwhile, the pursuit of Harry Maguire is all but over, with Leicester making it crystal clear that they will not sell their star defender. So, it’s either Alderweireld or Boateng for Manchester United, and they will hope the former’s stubborn stance will force Tottenham to wilt and reach an agreement over the £40 million deal.
With a £25 million release clause likely to come into effect once they trigger a one-year option in his contract, the North Londoners would stand in good stead to accept Manchester United’s offer, or risk losing substantial amount on him.
With just two days left for the transfer window to slam shut in England, it now remains to be seen if the Red Devils succeed in their pursuit of Alderweireld at long last.
