Talks stalled: This is sticking point in contract dispute with Tottenham 28-year-old – report
By Matt Bullin
Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld is holding out for a release clause in his new contract, according to a report.
The Times report states that, having already rejected two deals, the 28-year-old is insisting on a release clause if he is to sign a new contract at White Hart Lane.
Tottenham have an option to extend Alderweireld’s deal to 2020, but if they do, he has the right to insert a £25.3million release clause in it, which can be activated from that year.
Spurs will no doubt want to lock down the Belgian’s services, as the report claims Man City are interested, and have so far refused to insert the clause.
This comes after the Daily Mail reported that the Belgian defender was set to sign a new deal which would double his £50,000 wages to stay at Spurs.
Alderweireld has been a mainstay of the Tottenham defence this term and has made 35 appearances for the club in all competitions.
The 28-year-old has also represented Belgium on 65 occasions.
Football Insider verdict
Mauricio Pochettino needs to lock down his man. Top class centre backs are in short supply and Alderweireld is one of them. The Belgian has proved himself to be one of the best in the league, if not the world this season and if they want to hold onto him Spurs must bow to his demands. His partnership with Jan Vertonghen has gone under the radar this season, but it has been crucial aspect of the Tottenham machine. It will be a worry that he is insisting on having a release clause, but it is likely he will forget those demands if offered high enough wages. Money talks.
In other Tottenham transfer news, the club’s move from Wilfried Zaha has been cast into doubt for this reason.
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