Tottenham rush to find potential Alderweireld replacement

Despite it not being the news that any Tottenham fan wants to hear, Toby Alderweireld could be on his way out of the club in the next 48 hours, if rumours are believed to be true.

Alderweireld joined Spurs from Atletico Madrid back in 2015, after impressing during a loan stint at Southampton. Since then he has gone on to play 85 games for the Lilywhites, netting five goals in that time.

He has been a mainstay and a rock at the heart of the Tottenham defence, and a huge part of Spurs’ impressive defence record in recent years.

However, with only a year left on his contract, it looks as if Tottenham will have to part company with the 29-year-old Belgian. While Spurs do have the option to extend his contract for an extra year, this would ultimately result in Toby leaving for a measly £25m next summer.

So, what should Tottenham do? Essentially lose out on £35m for the sake of one season, or sell up while his price is still high?

If Levy does choose to sell, you can be sure that Spurs will be getting some sizeable recuperation in return. A £60m price tag, or a deal involving an Anthony Martial swap is on the cards this week, but how should Tottenham go about replacing the Belgian brick wall?

Harry Maguire

After his sterling World Cup display for England, Harry Maguire is the obvious choice for many clubs in the market for a centre-back this transfer window. Manchester United are said to be weighing up a £60m+ big for the Leicester City defender, but it is unclear whether this will still go ahead if they manage to get Alderweireld’s signature on a contract.

If he is available, Maguire would be a popular replacement for the outgoing Toby. With his commanding presence, quality in the air, and Premier League experience, the 25-year-old is hot property. Should Tottenham splash the Alderweireld money straight away on an ideal, younger replacement?

Matthijs De Ligt

This seemed to be the big Tottenham transfer rumour at the very start of the window, but not much has been said about a North London De Ligt arrival of late. Matthijs has been linked to some of the biggest clubs in Europe over the course of the summer, but no one has penned a deal as of yet. Tottenham have a good relationship when it comes to purchasing Ajax players, so could the teenage centre-back still be an option for Levy.

With limited experience, the 18-year-old would be an expensive and risky buy for Tottenham, but it is a piece of business that could pay off massively in the future.

Ben Mee

This was also a hot rumour as the transfer window opened earlier in the summer. Ben Mee has been a big part of Burnley’s success over recent years, and his premier league experience would be ideal at such short notice. The 28-year-old would also be considerably cheaper than De Ligt and Maguire, as he has yet to earn his first England cap.

Could Mee prove to be the perfect buy to slot into a back three with Vertonghen and Sanchez?

Jerome Boateng

If you believe the rumours, Jerome Boateng could be surplus to requirements at Bayern Munich this season. The World Cup winner is now 29-years-old, but would provide vast experience at the back, and has actually got a year of Premier League football under his belt too.

Manchester United are said to be monitoring his situation, but again, they could cool their interest if they manage to secure Alderweireld. Boateng would probably set Tottenham back 50 or 60 million, but you would have to go far to mind someone with more experience, class and trophies at that price.

Already at the club?

As two men who are big fans of bedding young players into a team, perhaps Levy and Pochettino believe that Toby’s replacement is actually already at the club. There is the possibility that Poch will continue to work on the outstanding partnership of Jan Vertonghen and Davinson Sanchez as a back two, but you would assume that a three across the back would be played occasionally this campaign.

With the likes of Juan Foyth, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Eric Dier, and even Ben Davies already in the squad, it is possible that one of these could make the step up into the first team next season.

Which one of these would you like to see taking Toby’s place in a back three?

It’s too late

Perhaps Tottenham have simply left it too late in this transfer window to sign a perfect replacement for Alderweireld. The likes of Alfie Mawson and Ben Gibson have already transferred in the past week, would it have been wise for Tottenham to strike early for one of their signatures?

Only time will tell what Levy decides to do regarding Toby Alderweireld and his replacement, but Tottenham fans will be hoping for a busy deadline day.

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