Report reveals Spurs setback in defender bid before Alderweireld deal

Tottenham Hotspur were rebuffed in their efforts to sign Norwich City centre-back Ben Godfrey before agreeing to renew Toby Alderweireld’s contract, a report claims.

Spurs finally secured Alderweireld’s future this week after months of speculation, given that he had only six months left on his contract and would have been free to negotiate with foreign clubs from January.

However, they tied his future down until 2023, hoping that fellow expiring players Jan Vertonghen and Christian Eriksen will follow suit.

Now, Football Insider reveal that Spurs did make enquiries for Godfrey before Alderweireld put pen to paper on his new deal – but were told that he was not for sale.

Godfrey has risen to prominence this year after helping Norwich to promotion to the Premier League last season, and has been ever-present in the top flight so far.

The report also reveals the financial aspects of Alderweireld’s new deal, with it being understood that he now earns around £120,000-per-week.

That means, over the four-year duration of his contract, Spurs will pay him £22m – £3m less than the reported price tag that had previously been suggested for Godfrey.

Nothing is added about the chances of fellow defender Vertonghen signing a renewal, but it has been claimed elsewhere that he is open to the idea due to the presence of Jose Mourinho as manager.

Eriksen, meanwhile, is reportedly set to reject Manchester United again, although he could still leave Spurs for Italy.