In a deal reported to be worth around £14million, Belgium defender Toby Alderweireld is thought to be closing in on an agreement with Tottenham Hotspur, once he returns from his post-season holiday.
Tottenham seem to have fought off competition from both Southampton and Chelsea in the Premier League race for the signature of the highly-rated central defender. Having made 25 appearances in the 2014-15 campaign for the South Coast side, Southampton were hoping to convince the Belgian to return as they compete in the upcoming Europa League.
However, Spurs look to have made a real sign of their ambition for the forthcoming Premier League campaign with the signature of Alderwiereld, who can also operate at right back.
Spurs have bolstered their defence considerably
Following defensive additions in the form of Kevin Wimmer and Kieran Trippier, Alderweireld looks set to add further competition to the likes of Eric Dier and Jan Vertonghen next season.
With both Younes Kaboul and Vlad Chiriches expected to move on with Galatasaray and Basel rumoured to be possible destinations, Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino will be looking to build a more solid foundation to a side which conceded 53 league goals in the past season. Despite scoring the fifth-most goals in the division, Spurs conceded more than relegated Hull City.
It is thought that Alderweireld is keen on the prospect of linking up with a former teammate in the form of Vertonghen, having played alongside him for Eredivisie side Ajax and for the Belgian national side. The two partnered each other in Amsterdam as Ajax enjoyed near total domination of the Dutch league during their time together, and Tottenham will be hoping for similar success should they be reunited at White Hart Lane.
A summer of spending is expected in North London
Seen as a similar defender to Vertonghen in his ability to use the ball effectively and bring it out from defence, Alderweireld will join compatriots Moussa Dembele and Nacer Chadli at the London club.
Having moved early to strengthen Tottenham’s defence, Pochettino will be looking to move on some of those deemed surplus to requirements before investing heavily in the rest of his squad, with another striker a main target to ease the goalscoring burden on Harry Kane.