Manager rules one suitor out of running for Tottenham star, but admits talks

Ajax are not interested in pursuing a deal for Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld, their manager has confirmed.

Alderweireld signed a new contract with Spurs in December 2019, but doubts about his future have not gone away.

The 31-year-old remains a key player for Tottenham, but has only started 16 of their 30 games in all competitions so far this season. He has already given hints that he is thinking about his next move, whenever that may be.

A return to the Eredivisie would be a possibility for the centre-back. He previously came through the academy ranks at Ajax.

Alderweireld made 186 appearances during his previous spell with Ajax. There have been claims that he could add to that tally by re-joining the club.

However, Ajax boss Erik Ten Hag has denied that they are trying to sign him. However, he did reveal that the club are still in contact with him.

“We have good contact with Alderweireld, but we have no concrete interest,” Ten Hag said.

“We are in constant contact. Marc [Overmars, Ajax director of football] maintains close contacts with all players who have left Ajax. Just look at [Davy] Klaassen.

“At the moment that is not the case.”

That update may put Ajax’s Eredivisie rivals PSV on alert, as they too are targeting Alderweireld. Reports have suggested they have even made contact with his agent.

Even though Alderweireld is under contract until 2023, clubs could try to lure him away. PSV are willing to wait until the summer to try their luck.

Interest in Militao confirmed

Tottenham are in the market for new defenders, with Eder Militao one of their main targets. While Davinson Sanchez is expected to be shown the door before Alderweireld, it suggests they are looking to a future without him.

Earlier this week, South American football expert Tim Vickery confirmed that Tottenham are keen on Brazilian defender Militao.

Vickery told Sky Sports: “The big Brazilian defender is just about to turn 23. The news I’m hearing is that Jose Mourinho is certainly interested in the Real Madrid centre-back.

“That’s coming out of the Portuguese press who have good contact with Mourinho. I’d say watch this space. If Mourinho is interested, then maybe this will go through.”

Militao, who cost €50m on him in 2019, is struggling to break into the Real Madrid first team.

Therefore, he may have to leave to seek new opportunities. Reports have suggested that he is the only target Mourinho wants to pursue in January.

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