Manchester United close to completing swoop for Toby Alderweireld - Reports | Sportsmonks
Sportsmonks

Manchester United close to completing swoop for Toby Alderweireld – Reports

Jose Mourinho might finally have a reason to smile in what has been a dismal couple of months for the Manchester United manager. After a miserable preseason which included some heavy defeats and tantrums concerning some of the board’s activity, Mourinho might indeed have the last laugh as it appears he is close to completing a £60 million move for Tottenham centre back Toby Alderweireld.

According to Sunday Mirror, Manchester United were initially unwilling to meet the Tottenham star’s release clause which was believed to be around £75 million, but the London club are now willing to settle for £60 million. Negotiations have moved forward in the past couple of days and the Belgian could complete the switch within the next 24 hours.

'Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy, aware that Alderweireld was prepared to run down his contract before leaving when he became available for a cut-price fee, has now accepted that it would be better business to allow the former Ajax, Atletico Madrid and Southampton favourite to leave now at an optimum price,' Simon Mullock of Sunday Mirror was quoted as saying.

United were also linked extensively with Leicester City’s Harry Maguire but the two clubs could not settle on a fee, leading to negotiations stalling and eventually breaking down. Mourinho’s eagerness to sign a new centre half is a clear indication he doesn’t trust his current crop of players.

Lindelof struggled in his first season, Eric Bailly is injury prone and Chris Smalling is simply not good enough for a top-4 side. Alderweireld, meanwhile, is just what United need to bolster a leaky defence. When fit, he is easily among the best defenders in the league. He is physical, doesn’t shy away from launching into a tackle or two and is also equipped to deal with some of the quicker forwards in the division. In short, he would fit in seamlessly at United and make them title contenders without a doubt.

With the Premier League transfer window closing in a few days, United need to act quickly if they are to get the deal over the line.

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