According to reports in The Independent, Tottenham Hotspur have suffered another blow in their bid to keep contract rebel Toby Alderweireld, rated at £31.5m according to Transfermarkt, as he could be a serious target for La Liga giants Barcelona this summer.
What’s the word, then?
Well, The Independent claims that the Spanish top flight leaders are monitoring the Belgium international’s situation with the north London outfit, with no extension agreed on his current contract that is due to expire in 2020.
However, The Independent says there is clause in the deal that will allow him to leave for £25m during a period of the 2019 summer transfer window if no new deal is agreed.
The report adds that nothing is likely to happen at this stage with a considerable difference in terms of wages between the two parties, with Barcelona ready to swoop at the end of the season.
How has Alderweireld done this season?
The centre-back has established himself as one of the best in his position in the Premier League ever since joining the north London outfit, and he was an impressive performer at the start of the current campaign before he pulled his hamstring in the 3-1 win against Real Madrid in November.
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The 28-year-old has only made two appearances in the FA Cup since his return earlier this month, missing out on a place in the squad for the Premier League fixtures against Arsenal and then Crystal Palace on Sunday, as well as the Champions League last 16 first leg draw against Juventus.
Whether that is because he is still a little rusty, or it is because of the failed contract negotiations, remains to be seen.
Could he go this summer?
It seems as though it is more and more likely that an exit could happen given Tottenham’s strict wage budget and with Barcelona and Manchester United both keen on the Belgian, according to The Independent.
Would they sell him to Barcelona?
If Spurs accepted he was going to leave there is no doubt that they would rather do a deal with the La Liga leaders rather than one of their Premier League rivals, but they could also find themselves in a situation where the likes of United could offer a bigger fee than Barca are able to.