You might have heard a thing or two about Manchester United desperately trying to sign a central defender in the closing weeks of the summer transfer window.
As late July turned to early August, we heard with regularity about Old Trafford’s centre back targets, one of which was Tottenham Hotspur’s Toby Alderweireld. Several outlets reported United’s interest, but they were unable to reach an agreement with Tottenham.
Although Alderweireld lost his starting place at White Hart Lane (or Wembley for the time being), he maintains that Spurs never wanted to offload him, and that he was never actually close to leaving north London.
Speaking publicly about the transfer saga that spanned the whole summer, he discussed how much he pride he has taken in winning back his place in the team. (Alderweireld has started the last three games for Tottenham)
“Everyone was saying everywhere that I absolutely wanted to leave Tottenham,” Alderweireld said (via Sky Sports)
“That’s not true. This summer, I quickly understood Tottenham wanted to keep me. So, I had to battle to get my place back in the team. To be in the first team again is a victory for me.
“I just try to help Tottenham as best I can with my qualities. Regarding my future, everything that was said in the press was not right all the time.”
While the central defender said nothing there that would indicate a move to United could be coming, one should not expect the transfer rumors to dissipate.
He less than a year remaining on his current deal, and there is an option for a one-year extension which includes a £25 million release clause. In other words, we’ll probably be revisiting this one again in January, and then likely again next summer.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, is currently a regular contributor to SB Nation, WGN CLTV and Chicago Now.
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