Football news - Why Toby Alderweireld could leave Spurs for £25 million

His contract includes a two-week window where he could depart for that fixed fee.

The 29-year-old was linked with a move last summer, with Manchester United among the clubs who were interested.

However, Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino says he intends to keep Alderweireld at the club.

“Yes, for sure, it’s obvious - the same situation as Jan (Vertonghen)," said Pochettino when asked if he meant to trigger the extension.

Earlier this month, Spurs extended centre back Vertonghen's contract until 2020.

Alderweireld, who arrived at Spurs in July 2015 from Atletico Madrid, has been a key player for the north London outfit this season, making 24 appearances in all competitions.

Upon signing from Atletico Madrid in 2015, Alderweireld signed a four-year deal worth £50,000-per-week. That contract was due to expire in the summer of 2019. Resultantly, the Belgian centre-half would have been able to begin negotiating with foreign clubs on January 1 ahead of a summer free transfer.

To prevent the above situation, Tottenham exercised their option, committing the Belgian to the club until 2020. However, there is a catch, the club, according to the terms of the option, are obliged to accept any offer of £25 million or above should it arrive before the last two weeks of the summer window.

Tottenham and Alderweireld had been negotiating an extension to the 29-year-old’s current deal but those negotiations broke down. However, Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino has indicated the club intend to re-enter negotiations with the Belgian.