Should Tottenham join Stefan de Vrij chase amid Alderweireld rumours?

Follow us on Google Discover

Tottenham Hotspur should perhaps consider joining the race for Stefan de Vrij amid rumours linking Toby Alderweireld with the exit.

It is looking entirely possible that one of the main issues that Tottenham will need to address during the summer transfer window is what is going to happen with Toby Alderweireld’s future.

The Belgian is reportedly involved in something of a contract stand-off with Spurs right now. The Sun reports that he is yet to sign an extension to his current deal which expires in 2019 – and while Tottenham can extend that deal by a further year, that would then open up a release clause in his contract that would allow teams to buy the former Atletico Madrid man for £25 million.

The Sun added that that may tempt Spurs to cash in this summer – and the club’s squad are starting to become concerned that his future may not be with Mauricio Pochettino’s side.

It remains to be seen whether Alderwerield stays or leaves in the summer, but Spurs should arguably brace themselves for his possible departure by joining the race to sign Lazio defender Stefan de Vrij after comments made the club’s sporting director this week.

Igli Tare told Sport Mediaset that the Dutchman is set to leave the Serie A side on a free transfer in the summer after they withdrew a contract offer.

De Vrij is one of Europe’s top defenders, so it will be no surprise if a host of clubs from across the continent sat up and took notice of his situation in the hope of pulling off a bargain deal at the end of the season – and Tottenham should make themselves one of the teams to offer him a fresh challenge in a few months.

The 26-year-old has been excellent for the Biancocelesti this term so would arguably be the ideal player to step into the void if Alderweireld does move on – especially as his transfer would cost Spurs absolutely nothing.

And even if they manage to keep hold of Alderweireld, Pochettino should look to bring de Vrij in anyway to strengthen his options as they continue to look to establish themselves as a force in multiple competitions.

With de Vrij looking set to become a free agent at the end of the season, he will surely be one of the most highly sought-after players anywhere in Europe come the summer, so Tottenham would be making a fantastic statement if they joined the race and bagged his signature ahead of what should be the best years of his career.