Manchester United are allegedly willing to pay £40million for Toby Alderweireld but Tottenham Hotspur are holding out for £55million.
There is some distance between what the Red Devils and Spurs value Alderweireld at, with the former adamant they will no’t go above this latest offer and the Belgian’s parent club wanting closer to £55m.
Yet with the English transfer window quickly drawing to a close, here are three reasons why Tottenham should take the money for the 29-year-old and run.
Contract issues
One of the most widely reported release clauses in the Premier League but one that should play a key part in any decision that is made on Alderweireld’s future.
The centre-back has nine months remaining on his current deal, which also includes the option of a 12-month extension that would also trigger a £25m release clause.
Alderweireld doesn’t look likely to sign a new contract. Sell him.
Integration
Clearly the Belgium international believes that he needs to leave North London to further his career. Once a player makes a decision like this it is very hard to come back from.
Alderweireld has been one of Tottenham’s best players since joining from Atletico Madrid in 2015, but they showed last season that they can cope without him when he spent much of the campaign injured.
If a move doesn’t materialise then bringing the defensive ace back into the fold could prove very tricky.
Getting a younger replacement
Mauricio Pochettino has not been scared to give youngsters a chance in North London after becoming manager back in 2014.
Before the 2018/19 term is out Alderweireld will have turned 30 years old. Why the blend of experience and youth is important in a team, it could be argued the former Southampton loanee is now on the downward curve in his career.
Even if not, Tottenham can use the significant funds from his sale to go out and find a younger replacement in the mould of Davinson Sanchez.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
