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What’s the rumour?
Barcelona have set their sights on Toby Alderweireld according to a report in the Independent. The English publication claim that the Spanish side will make a 'serious bid' for him in the summer.
Ernesto Valverde has several options in the defensive section but still, Barcelona have been linked with a lot of central defenders. Davison Sanchez was a name that was mentioned a lot but he was snapped up by Tottenham in the end.
In case you didn’t know...
Alderweireld's current contract expires in 2020 but talks have been going on for a renewal. The talks stalled because of difference in position on wages according to Independent.
There is a clause in his current contract that will let him leave for just £25 million next summer and Spurs are reportedly not keen on losing him out for a cheap price. The 28-year-old is reportedly set to be sold in the summer as they believe that they can make at least double of that according to the report.
The heart of the matter
Barcelona currently have Gerard Pique, Samuel Umtiti, Yeri Mina and Thomas Vermaelen in the squad as centre-backs. They signed Mina for £10.44 million in January and he is yet to show his class.
Manchester United are also interested in Belgian according to the report but Dani Levy, Tottenham's Chairman, is not willing to let him join another Premier League club. Chelsea and Manchester City were also linked with the defender in recent times.
Rumour probability: 8/10
It looks like a deal that will benefit all parties involved. Alderweireld will get to play for a big club that pays him what he wants, Barcelona will get an experienced defender and Tottenham will get a good value on his sale.
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Author’s Take
Alderweireld is one of the best defenders in the Premier League. He will be a great signing for Barcelona and a huge loss for Tottenham. It's no surprise that Chelsea and the Manchester clubs are also interested in signing him.
Tottenham need to re-evaluate their wage structure or else they will keep losing their best players.
