Spurs are 'willing to sell' Toby Alderweireld in the summer, with the North London club baulking at the centre-back's £150,000-a-week wage demands, according to The Times.

What's the story?

The Belgium international arrived at White Hart Lane in 2015, and has established himself as one of the best defenders in the world but Tottenham are understood to be reluctant to meet the pay demands of a player who is about to turn 29.

The club have a famously strict wage structure, with the top brass fearing that giving into Alderweireld could result in a deluge of wage demands from other players.

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Most critically for Spurs, if they are to extend his contract beyond its expiration date in 18 months it would mean activating a clause that would allow the Belgian to leave for £25.4 million next summer - far below his current £50m value.

Should Spurs sell him?

Given the risk Spurs run in extending his contract, now seems the time to sell the centre-half.

Alderweireld is undoubtedly world class, but Spurs have defensive depth that would allow them to cope without him. Compatriot Jan Vertonghen and the young Ben Davies have shown the potential to step up to the mark, and Tottenham can compensate for the passing-friendly style of Alderweireld with the more aerial presence of Vertonghen.