Tottenham Hotspur will face no challenge from Barcelona in the pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah, according to reports.
The contract talks between Toby Alderweireld and Spurs board have stalled and that has led to a lot of rumours linking Tah to replace the Belgian in North London.
Spanish news outlet El Gol Digital claim that Barcelona have been keen to sign the Bayer Leverkusen defender but with Spurs also interested, they are ready to switch their focus so that the North Londoners could easily secure Tah’s signature and consequently allow Alderweireld to depart in summer.
Tottenham remain very much interested in signing Tah should Alderweireld not extend his contract and leave the club in summer.
The club have so far failed to reach an agreement with the Belgian international on a new deal and it is understood they will look to sell him in the summer.
Alderweireld, who has established himself as one of the best defenders in the Premier League, will have no shortage of takers and Spurs are ready to let him go to get a substantial amount from his sale.
However, as per the Daily Mirror, Leverkusen could demand in the region of £35million for their promising centre-back, Tah.
It is said that if Tah is to arrive at Spurs, then Alderweireld would be available for the similar fee with Barcelona expected to take advantage of the situation.
Alderweireld, who has made 17 appearances so far this campaign, seems likely to take the exit route as his wage demands are reportedly not met by the Spurs hierarchy. And that is one of the reasons for the stalling of his contract extension.
The 29-year-old has endured an injury-hit campaign but has been rock solid whenever fit. So, it makes complete sense for our board to sort out the mess and agree to Alderweireld’s demands as he is undoubtedly one of the best centre-backs in England.
Tah is also good but it could take time for him to settle in the Premier League should Spurs sign him anytime soon. At 22, the German is a physically imposing figure, reliable in the air with good ball-playing abilities.
But Spurs just cannot afford to lose Alderweireld and should simply think in sorting out the mess, sooner rather than later.
