Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino has commented on Toby Alderweireld’s situation.
Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino has told Football.London that he won’t discuss rumours about Toby Alderweireld’s contract – and wouldn’t confirm whether he’s in contention to play against Chelsea or not.
Spurs return from the international break with a huge game against London rivals Chelsea this weekend, and will be hoping to move another step closer to securing their top four place.
One of the main talking points throughout the international break has been the future of defender Toby Alderweireld, given that the Belgian is being strongly linked with a move away this summer.
The 29-year-old has been a star in the heart of the Spurs defence since his 2015 move from Atletico Madrid, forming a strong partnership with his Belgian international teammate Jan Vertonghen having also played together at Ajax.
However, Alderweireld’s progress – becoming one of the top centre backs in Europe – means that he feels he should be paid accordingly, and Spurs haven’t agreed a new contract with him.
With a £25million release clause in his contract which can be activated next summer, Spurs may yet choose to cash in on their star defender this summer, when they know they can dictate the fee.
Alderweireld hasn’t even been in the Spurs starting line-up of late, but played for Belgium in the international break, causing fans to worry that he is being left out due to the confusion over his future.
Pochettino has now told Football.London that Alderweireld is like any other player and won’t be guaranteed of a starting role against Chelsea, but refused to discuss whether Spurs have held new contract talks with Alderweireld.
“Like always, with the squad we need to decide first of all the starting XI and then the players that will on the bench,” said Pochettino. “We are lucky that all the players are fit and then it’s about balance.”
“No, I don’t talk about rumours,” he added when asked about Alderweireld’s contract talks.
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