Manchester United are strong favourites to sign Toby Alderweireld, report The Mirror.
Alderweireld is available for a bargain £26 million due to a clause in his contract this summer. The report claims Spurs ‘are resigned’ to losing him to United.
A potential move for Alderweireld has garnered a split response from United fans.
If he is signed along with a more expensive defender like Kalidou Koulibaly, then some see it as a great deal.
Should he be United’s only centre-back signing, then some supporters are understandably worried that he may not be a long-term solution. However, there should be no concern.
He’s only 30
Alderweireld has just turned 30. That should actually be seen as a positive for United.
Look at the top sides around Europe. Real Madrid boast Sergio Ramos, 32.
Barcelona rely on ex-United prospect Gerard Pique, 32.
Juventus are dominating in Italy with Georgio Chiellini, 34 and Leonardo Bonucci, 31.
Atletico Madrid’s success has been built around Diego Godin, 33.
Age and experience are positives, not weaknesses.
The pressure of playing at United, is such that young talented defenders have found the pressure too much.
Eric Bailly has faltered, and Victor Lindelöf took a whole season to adjust.
Alderweireld will slot straight in. He has played at World Cups, in the Champions League, and is a regular in the Premier League.
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United reportedly wanted Diego Godin, Sky Sports reported, after his agreement to sign with Inter Milan this summer.
The Belgian will be a leader, and help the talented young defenders he will take under his wing.
30 is young, he can play for three to five seasons at the top level for United. The age argument doesn’t wash so well with world class centre-backs.