Tottenham must ramp up interest in De Ligt amid Alderweireld Barcelona links

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Tottenham may have got away with one in the short-term where Toby Alderweireld is concerned; the Belgian did not depart the club this summer and has successfully reintegrated himself into Mauricio Pochettino’s plans.

But the long-term threat has not gone away, and there was a stark reminder of that recently.

Barcelona are reportedly joining the race to sign Alderweireld; the 4-2 masterclass at Wembley showcased the gap between the two teams and given the Catalans’ superior ability to compete financially, it is easy to imagine Alderweireld will be tempted.

Eventually, Daniel Levy ends up selling when he gets the price he wants, so Spurs must be prepared. They cannot afford to get caught short by Alderweireld’s departure.

That means that they must reignite their reported summer interest in Ajax starlet Matthijs de Ligt. The Dutch international is a staggering talent; so mature for 19 and comfortable on the ball.

He is already club captain, despite his tender years, so Spurs would be signing a leader as well. He would be the ideal replacement for Alderweireld, and he must be lined up for when the Belgian departs.

Spurs and Ajax have historically had a good relationship in the transfer market and Levy must use it to be well-equipped for Alderweireld’s departure.