Reports: Paris Saint-Germain join the race for Premier League defender
What’s the rumour?
According to reports from Daily Mail, PSG are ready to make a bid for Tottenham's Toby Alderweireld. Spurs are unwilling to meet his wage demands and the defender is set to leave the club this summer.
In case you didn't know...
The Belgian caught the eye of Tottenham during his one-year loan period at Southampton in the 2014-15 season. Spurs signed him in the summer of 2015, paying his parent club, Atletico Madrid a fee around £14.40 million.
The 29-year-old is one of the best defenders in the Premier League and is also a mainstay for the Belgian national team. He has over 400 appearances for club and his current contract runs out in 2019.
Tottenham are also willing to sell the player if a substantial offer (around £44 million) comes in.
The heart of the matter
Unai Emery and PSG have come under criticism this season for another failed attempt to qualify for the latter stages of the UEFA Champions League. They want to set the record straight next season and are in the hunt for a quality defender to boost their chances.
Spurs have no intention to meet Alderweireld's wage demands of a reported £10 million-a-year. Contract extension talks have thus stalled and he is very likely to leave the club. Manchester United and Barcelona have been heavily linked with the player and now PSG are ready to meet his demands.
He has also lost his place in the starting XI to new signing Davidson Sanchez who has produced a string of brilliant performances, thereby cementing his place.
Rumour rating/probability - 8/10
Alderweireld is destined to leave Spurs this summer and PSG will have no problems in accepting his demands. A move may be on the cards.
Video: Alderweireld in action
Author’s take
Alderweireld has lost his place in the squad due to a long-term injury as well as Sanchez's fine form. A move away looks highly probable and with PSG's financial muscle, we may see the player in action in France next season. Tottenham may need to find a suitable replacement for him if they want to contest on all fronts next season.