Toby Alderweireld is still Jose Mourinho’s first choice for a Manchester United centre-half this summer, with the expectation now that the pursuit will go right to the end of the transfer window.
A deal so far has not happened due to the fact Tottenham Hotspur would prefer Anthony Martial included in any negotiation, or for United to at the very least meet a hardline valuation of £55m.
The Old Trafford hierarchy have so far been reluctant to do either, with some of that influenced by Alderweireld’s desire to leave and an expectation that might yet change the situation or force Spurs’ hands.
With CEO Daniel Levy so far predictably unbending, though, it has led United to look at alternative options. Leicester City’s Harry Maguire is chief among those, while the club have also been looking at Internazionale’s Milan Skriniar, among a few other potential fall-backs.
A frustrated Mourinho is insistent that United at the very least deliver a centre-half and a right-winger from his desired targets for this summer, and there is a belief that a deal for Alderweireld will eventually done.
It is ultimately likely to take United meeting Tottenham’s valuation, especially as there is still a reluctance to sell Martial to another Premier League side.
