Tottenham should consider Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk if they lose Toby Alderweireld.
Tottenham Hotspur face a dilemma over Toby Alderweireld after his agent issued the club with an ultimatum.
Spurs have been instructed to improve Alderweireld’s salary or sell him to a ‘top European club’.
Alderweireld could earn more elsewhere and Spurs may have to break their strict pay structure in order to keep him.
If the club did decide to cash in, preferably abroad, their most sensible option to replace him should be Southampton centre-back Virgil van Dijk.
Van Dijk was denied an exit from Southampton this summer amid Liverpool’s interest, but the Saints are expected to be in a similar scenario in 2018.
The Dutchman is valued at £60 million, The Sun report, a high price – but one Spurs could pay and still have change left over if they sell Alderweireld.
Van Dijk like Alderweireld is strong, quick and dominant in the air, and is desperate to take the next step in his career.
Signing him would allow Spurs to continue to play three at the back if they are forced to sell Alderweireld, along with Jan Vertonghen and Davinson Sanchez.
Spurs fans will hope the Alderweireld situation is resolved in time for the next summer, but if they end up reluctantly selling, Van Dijk must become their top option.
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