Tottenham Hotspur have suddenly become one of the busiest sides in the Premier League as time is running out for them this summer to add quality to their squad. The manager had finally made his first signing of the window but is not even close to completing his transfer business this summer.
He is still looking at players who can improve the squad but is now facing a problem of keeping his players happy at the club. One such player, who might be unsettled now, is Belgian star Toby Alderweireld.
Arguably one of the best centre backs in England at the moment, Alderweireld, is also one of the most experienced and has been in impeccable form for Spurs for a while now. However, reports from the Daily Mail suggest that he is now holding out for a pay-rise, to extend his contract in London.
He is settled at the club at the moment but the Mail claim that Manchester City are keeping close tabs on the player and are ready to make a move for him, if Spurs fail to tie him up for the long-term. So is Alderweireld an option for City?
Pep Guardiola has already spent over £130m on his defensive line, adding three full-backs to his squad. But he is still not happy with the options in the squad and is looking for a centre back. He has been linked with a move for West Brom star Jonny Evans recently and the Spurs’ star is a genuine upgrade on Evans.
Having joined the club in 2015 from Atletico Madrid, the 28-year old has established himself as the first choice in no time and has till date made 128 Eredivisie appearances, 95 Premier League appearances 23 Champions League appearances to add to his 68 international caps for Belgium.
He is the first choice for club and country at the moment and is one of the most established and experienced defenders in Europe. Strong in the air and with possession of the ball, Alderweireld is a confident player with the ball at his feet and is adept at playing at the heart of a back-3 as well as a traditional centre-half.
He is a threat in set-pieces at the other end and his experience in England is what will attract Guardiola. The Spaniard is expected to use Vincent Kompany, Nicolas Otamendi, John Stones and Eliaquim Mangala in that order but it is hard not to see the Spurs star walk into the first team. He will instantly improve City’s backline but do they actually need him this summer?
