Barcelona enter race to sign Tottenham star

According to reports by the Daily Mirror, Spanish giants FC Barcelona are scouring the market for a world-class defender and Tottenham center-back Toby Alderweireld is said to be on the top of their wish-list.

The Catalans are currently battling injury problems and have already looked at Ajax youngster Matthijs de Ligt as a possible option to buy in January. However, they have come to peace with the fact that a mid-season deal for the defender is nearly 'impossible'.

Barcelona are said to be long-term admirers of Alderweireld. The 29-year-old Belgian was also being courted by English giants Manchester United in the summer this year. Barcelona are likely to face a stiff competition from their English counterparts for the defender, should they decide to chase him in January.

Alderweireld, who has under a year left on his contract, has shown no signs of willingness to extend it. Tottenham are said to be losing the hope of tying him down to a new long-term deal.

The North Londoners have the option of triggering a one-year extension on his current contract. However, that, in turn, would activate a £25 million release clause for the final two weeks in the summer transfer window in 2019.

Alderweireld has so far made 9 appearances for Mauricio Pochettino's men in all competitions.

When asked about the possibility of a possible move, he said:

'Honestly, I am absolutely not thinking about it at the moment. I feel good, play a lot right now and, therefore, am happy. We shall see.”

Manchester United gaffer Jose Mourinho could also swoop in for Toby Alderweireld, after the Red Devils failed to sign him in the summer. However, it remains to be seen if Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy, reputed for his tough negotiation skills, actually agrees on selling his asset to a direct rival.