Manchester United given boost in pursuit of Tottenham ace

Tottenham have conceded defeat in their attempts to keep Manchester United target Toby Alderweireld, claims The Daily Mirror.

Alderweireld was heavily linked with a move to United last summer but the Red Devils baulked at Tottenham’s stunning demands.

The Belgium international only had one year left to run on his Tottenham deal at the time but Mauricio Pochettino’s side have since triggered a 12-month contract extension.

However, by doing so they have activated a £26m release clause in Alderweireld’s contract that will run for the last two weeks of the summer transfer window.

Reports have emerged in recent weeks suggesting Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will sacrifice a big money defensive signing to fund a deal for Borussia Dortmund starlet Jadon Sancho if he gets the job on a full-time basis.

However, news that Alderweireld is now set to leave Tottenham for just £26m could mean United solve both problems this summer.

Only Wolves centre-back Conor Coady (209) has completed more long balls than Alderweireld (201) of all outfielders in the Premier League this season.