Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is reportedly plotting a cut-price deal for Toby Alderweireld in the New Year after keeping a close watch on the Belgian’s performance during the current international break.
The Portuguese tactician had been keen on signing the Tottenham ace during the summer and a deal could not materialise executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward reluctant to spend on a defender approaching his 30s.
Nonetheless, Mourinho remains keen on bolstering the central defensive department in January and he is optimistic that the club can pursue the services of one of their long-term targets, Evening Standard reports.
Alderweireld would be available for just £25.4m by the means of a release clause next summer and it appears that United are keen to take advantage over the same by agreeing on a winter move for the Belgian.
Spurs had placed a £60m price tag on the defender’s head last summer but United are hoping to settle on a much lesser sum for the Belgian, provided he continues with the contract standoff with the north Londoners.
United’s defence has been a major disappointment during the early part of the Premier League season and they are already playing catch up to the Champions League positions with a seven-point deficit after just 12 games.
If you were Spurs would you weaken your squad and strengthen a rival at a cut price? Not unless you barmy or were forced to sell.
Not another approaching 30yr old…. slow boring football…
Utd needs to be quick in all areas, get rid of them all over 29 and rebuild the team around Martial, and Rashford.