Tottenham have been left furious after it was claimed that key defensive ace Toby Alderweireld has a £30m release clause in his contract.
The Belgian international has developed into an indispensable part of Mauricio Pochettino’s squad since his arrival from Atletico Madrid last year.
In turn, Spurs wouldn’t have appreciated a claim which would have alerted countless clubs around Europe that he was available for just £30m.
As noted by The Sun, it originated from whistleblowers Football Leaks, but the club have swiftly moved to deny that any of their players have active release clauses in their contracts.
Given the nature of the modern day transfer market in which top-class defenders are only available for hefty price-tags, it would have undoubtedly perked the interest of several top clubs when it was suggested that Alderweireld could be available for a reasonable £30m.
However, it has now been entirely dismissed by Spurs who will hope that Alderweireld can return from his injury setback in the coming weeks and restore his solid partnership with compatriot Jan Vertonghen.
Pochettino’s side have the best defensive record in the Premier League after 14 games having conceded just 10 goals, and to the credit of those filling in for Alderweireld, they’ve been able to remain tight at the back without their influential defensive ace.
Nevertheless, they’ll certainly welcome him back with open arms and hope to have a fully fit squad available over the Christmas period to solidify their spot in the top four and push on to get into the title race.
Alderweireld was an ever-present starter for Spurs last season, appearing in all 38 Premier League games and scoring four goals and providing two assists as well.