Manchester City have placed Tottenham centre-back Toby Alderweireld at the top of their January transfer list. The Blues are looking to strengthen their centre-back options, and Pep Guardiola has identified Alderweireld as the key addition to improve his team’s defence.
Despite spending over £200 million in the most recent transfer window and buying three full-backs and a goalkeeper, Manchester City’s defence is still not up to scratch according to team sources. The team have seen veteran Vincent Kompany continue to battle injuries, while Nicolas Otamendi and John Stones have looked less than impressive since arriving at the Etihad.
Alderweireld is reportedly on £50,000-a-week, and according to the Guardian, the player is unhappy with his wages. The same newspaper has stated the centre-back does not want to sign a new contract, and would rather move to another club that will pay him his worth.
Alderweireld’s agent, Stijn Francis, has stated the player needs a salary more in line with his value as a player, or he needs to be sold to a club that will pay him what he deserves.
The Belgian defender arrived at Spurs from Atletico Madrid in a £14.4m transfer in July 2015. Alderweireld spent one season on loan at Southampton were he impressed greatly, influencing Spurs to buy the player from Atletico. A product of the Ajax football academy, Alderweireld has made 92 appearances for Tottenham since joining the club.
Manchester City are also tracking highly rated Swansea centre-back Joe Rodon. The 19-year-old is yet to appear for the Swans’ senior side, but Guardiola and company are interested in bringing the youngster to the Etihad.