For many months now it has seemed evident that Toby Alderweireld will leave Tottenham Hotspur this summer.

The defender is yet to sign a new contract at the North London outfit, and the longer the standoff continues, the more likely it is that he will look for pastures new.

Manchester United swiftly became front-runners to land the 76-capped Belgian international’s signature, but there has been a twist in the tale.

According to the Manchester Evening News, Alderweireld is no longer at the top of Jose Mourinho’s transfer wishlist as scouts are unsure about the centre-back’s ‘profile’.

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The publication adds that United value the Belgian £20m less than Tottenham’s asking price, which is believed to be in excess of £70m.

This turn of events puts Spurs in a difficult position as they run the risk of Alderweireld being available for as little as £25m next summer, when a clause in his contract is activated.

Unless the club tie him down to a new deal, it would be in their best interests to sell him over the next few months.

Tottenham fans have been debating about the player’s situation for a while now, and this latest twist has sparked a new discussion.