Tottenham Hotspur have had arguably one of the best central defensive partnerships in world football over the past few seasons in Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen.
Both played at Ajax, both play for Belgium, one right footer and one left, the pair have known each other for years and it shows on the pitch.
However, Tottenham may have to plan ahead for next season, as Alderweireld now has just one year left on his current deal, as does Vertonghen.
The Sun reported recently that Spurs have identified Nathan Ake as a possible successor to Toby.
Ake started all 38 Premier League games for current club Bournemouth last season, and is said to be available for around £40m.
It is unclear whether Spurs would be looking to sign the defender this summer, or after next season when their current stars could leave.
Tottenham have the likes of Davinson Sanchez, Juan Foyth, Eric Dier, and Cameron Carter-Vickers in reserve.
Some Spurs fans have taken to Twitter to react to the Ake rumours:
Good shout if Toby leaves. We already have Sanchez and Foyth as right footed centre backs. Bringing in Ake can be long term Vertonghen replacement too
— Ethan (@EthanCOYS) June 9, 2019
This shit annoys me. Save the £40m and add whatever is needed for Ndombele and just give Toby a year extension, he easily has 3/4 more years in him. By then Sanchez and Foyth would be a good duo at the back. Problem solved.
— Myke. (@Myke_88) June 9, 2019
He's not fit to lace Tobys boots. He might be better when he's older howevet at the moment Toby is head and shoulders above him so we will be weaker if this goes through.
— George (@GEORGIE_35) June 9, 2019
Please no. Poor player imo..
— Peter Hecktor (@PeterHecktor) June 9, 2019
How many links and rumours have there been in the last few weeks? It would be nice to see something actually happening soon if it is only 4 weeks until the squad comes back together for preseason. Appreciate players have to leave as well.
— derek elliott (@derekelliott6) June 9, 2019
Sad fact is spurs have zero ambition. So will look to carry on their cheep wage structure
— chris cumner-price (@chriscumner) June 9, 2019