Manchester United steps up bid for Toby Alderweireld

The defender could potentially be the third summer signing for Manchester United.

Manchester United are set to strengthen their defence for the next season, as they pursue Toby Alderweireld from Tottenham Hotspur. The Spurs star is heavily linked with a move to the Manchester club this summer.

United have been quick to wrap up their summer deals, having bought two players within 24 hours yesterday. The Red Devils completed the signing of midfielder Fred and right-back Diogo Dalot, and according to Express, are closing in on Toby Alderweireld.

Jose Mourinho faced problems with consistency in the defence. With regular injuries throughout the season for Bailly and Rojo, Smalling and Jones were the regular starters for the club. United was sloppy in the defence as they dropped points against the lower ranked sides in the Premier League table.

This has led to Jose Mourinho entering the market for a reliable centre-back.

United may have had the second best defence in the Premier League this season, but it can be largely credited to David de Gea’s terrific saves.

With a release clause of £40m, Toby Alderweireld is being looked at as a decent defensive boost to Manchester United. The club may look to trigger the clause, unless the defender signs a new deal with Tottenham.

According to the report from Express, Manchester United might prepare a bid in the region of £55m for the 29-year old Belgian.

The defender, however, recently opened up on his future, while being on international duty with Belgium.

Also read: Diogo Dalot signs for Manchester United; Who is Diogo Dalot?

“I have another two years [on my] contract. Tottenham decides about my future. Of course, I have my own idea. But that is not the case now,” Alderweireld stated in an interview to de Zondag.

Express also reports that Manchester United are considering a bid for Sevilla defender Clement Lenglet.