Manchester United target likely to be sold this summer

Contract talks between Toby Alderweireld and Tottenham have collapsed and it increasingly looks like the defender will be sold this summer, claims The Times.

Alderweireld’s current deal is due to expire at the end of next season, although Tottenham have an option to extend that by a further 12 months.

However, by doing so Tottenham will also activate a £25m release clause during the summer of 2019 up until the final 14 days of transfer window.

The Belgium international is holding out for £150,000-a-week to commit his long-term future to the club but Tottenham are not willing to break their wage structure for him.

Alderweireld has just recovered from the longest injury layoff of his career and Tottenham coped without him just fine during his three-month absence, which has also swayed the club’s opinion.

However, Tottenham now face the prospect of selling one of the best defenders in the country at the end of the season when they will still be able to extract top money.

Manchester United have emerged as interested suitors for the 28-year-old in recent weeks and news that contract talks have completely broken down will only benefit the Red Devils. 

Jose Mourinho is expected to sign a new centre-back for the third summer in a row following United’s recent woes at the back and Alderweireld would certainly fit their criteria.

No outfielder averages more long passes per Premier League game (9.1) than Alderweireld this season.