Tottenham Hotspur fans hope shelved Mattijs De Ligt interest could have a hidden reason.
Tottenham Hotspur have ended their pursuit of Ajax defender Mattijs De Ligt, report Football London.
The Netherlands international was reported to be Tottenham’s top defensive target this summer and now they must look for an alternative.
That is unless centre-back Toby Alderweireld decides to stay after all.
De Ligt was being sought as a replacement for Alderweireld, who has been unable to commit his future to Spurs.
Football London’s report still suggests that Alderweireld is expected to leave.
Yet the De Ligt decision has given some Tottenham fans hope that they have decided not to pursue the Ajax defender because Alderweireld may have had a change of heart.
Seemingly irreparable a month ago, relations between Alderweireld and Tottenham have begun to thaw in recent weeks.
He played in the last four games of the season for the club, and told Belgian newspaper Dezondag this week that his future is in Tottenham’s hands, commenting: “I have another two years contract. Tottenham decides about my future.”
Hopes Alderweireld are just that at this point, but Tottenham fans have not given up on the prospect their star defender could stay.
There could be numerous reasons for Spurs abandoning their De Ligt pursuit, but keeping Alderweireld would easily be the most popular one.
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