PSG have reportedly joined the race to sign Toby Alderweireld, with the Tottenham defender also a target for Manchester United and Barcelona
According to a report by Daily Telegraph, Toby Alderweireld is the subject of interest from PSG, who are eager to bolster their defence in the summer transfer window. The Tottenham defender is also being tailed by Manchester United and Barcelona.
Alderweireld is widely regarded as one of the best defenders in the world, having been one of the core members of the Tottenham squad that has transformed rapidly under Mauricio Pochettino. For the most part, the player has struck a formidable central defensive partnership with Jan Vertonghen for Spurs.
However, an injury ravaged season, coupled with the advent of summer signing Davinson Sanchez, has restricted Alderweireld’s game time to a large extent. As a result, the Belgian defender’s Tottenham future has come under a cloud in recent months, which has alerted Manchester United, Barcelona and other clubs.
At Old Trafford, Jose Mourinho does have several centre-backs at his disposal. But, Victor Lindelof has taken time to settle down at the club, while Phil Jones and Chris Smalling are reportedly facing the axe, having left the Manchester United manager unimpressed over the course of the season.
Mourinho has even made his displeasure over his side’s recent defensive frailties, which suggests that Manchester United might attempt to sign a centre-back for the third summer running, making Alderweireld a viable target. But, Barcelona are also in the fray for the Tottenham man.
At Camp Nou, the need for a centre-back seems palpable, with Gerard Pique and Thomas Vermaelen on the wrong side of 30 and Yerry Mina seemingly taking time to adjust to life at the Catalan club. With Samuel Umtiti, who is coincidentally linked with Manchester United, also facing an uncertain future, Barcelona could do with a new centre-back.
There now seems to be a third party alongside Manchester United and Barcelona, with PSG joining the race to sign Alderweireld. Thiago Silva, Presnel Kimpembe and Marquinhos are the only centre-backs at Parc des Princes, and the Silva on the wrong side of 30, squad depth might soon be an issue.
What hands all three clubs a boost in pursuit is the Alderweireld has a £25 million release clause in his Tottenham contract, which will activate in the summer of 2019. If Spurs fail to agree on a new deal with the player, they might be forced to sell him to recoup a higher amount.
It is here where PSG might be at an advantage in this case is that they enjoy a fantastic relationship with Tottenham, having sold Serge Aurier and Lucas Moura to the club. Manchester United are at the back of the pile in this regard, with Daniel Levy unwilling to sell to a direct title rival.
But, the player’s wish might come into the picture as well, and Manchester United could tempt him to jump ship this summer by offering him a fat paycheck. It now remains to be seen if they can indeed sign Alderweireld, or if PSG or Barcelona swoop him away instead.
