WASN'T TO-BY
TOBY ALDERWEIRELD has signed a new Tottenham deal - scuppering Manchester United's hopes of bringing the defender to Old Trafford on the cheap.
The North Londoners announced the news this morning and confirmed the deal runs until 2023.
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The 30-year-old's last contract was due to expire at the end of last season but Spurs exercised a year-long extension in January.
But extending his stay triggered a clause that meant he could have left for £25million in the summer and Man Utd were his main suitors.
United failed to stump up the cash at the time but were reportedly ready to move again in January with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looking to bolster their defence.
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Alderweireld took to Twitter to share his joy at extending his stay in North London and said: "Extremely happy and honoured to sign a new deal at Spurs.
"I would like to thank everyone at the club, the staff, my team mates, all the wonderful supporters and of course my family for the support on and off the pitch.
"I’m really excited for the future.#COYS."
Jose Mourinho has been a long time admirer of Alderweireld and tried to sign him in 2018 when he was manager of Manchester United.
The Special One's arrival at Tottenham last month could have something to do with the Belgian's decision to extend his stay.
Speaking soon after Mourinho's appointment, Alderweireld said: "I am happy that I’m playing.
"I’m proud to work with a manager that has won it all.
"I am grateful that I can become a better player under him.
"I want to repay him for the faith he has shown in me."
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Alderweireld is a main stay in Spurs' back line having started 16 of their 17 Premier League games this season.
And he is also well respected on the international stage with 98 caps for Belgium where he lines up alongside Spurs teammate Jan Vertonghen.
Vertonghen could soon be following suit with the centre-back said to be keen on a new deal and was hopeful Alderweireld would sign one too.
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