Transfer Centre

Toby Alderweireld not distracted by speculation over Tottenham Hotspur future

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 13 December 2016

Toby Alderweireld says that he 'loves' playing for Tottenham Hotspur and has "no problem" with a reported £25.4m buyout clause inserted into his contract.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Toby Alderweireld has insisted that he has "no problem" with a supposed buyout clause in his contract, and is currently focused on events on the field.

Reports emerged earlier this month suggesting that the 27-year-old, who has become a key player for Spurs at the back since joining from Atletico Madrid last year, is available for a relatively low figure of £25.4m.

Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino refused to get drawn into the topic of Alderweireld's current terms at White Hart Lane when asked, but hinted that a new deal could perhaps be offered to fend off interest from other parties.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, the Belgium international admitted that he is not concerned by talk over the clause in his contract and is hoping to get back up and running following a two-month spell on the sidelines.

"I signed for Tottenham for a reason and I love to play here," he said. "I see no problem there. Whatever has been written, I am only focusing on football because that is what I love to do.

"My injury was unusual - one in a million. It almost never happens in football. I got a hard knock on the nerve on the right side of my knee, so the nerve was shut down. All of my leg was shut down. I knew that when the nerve started working normally again, I had to be able to play as quickly as possible, and that was my motivation.

"I feel fit, even better than I did, and I'm hungry to help the team. It felt good to be back on the pitch against CSKA Moscow and Manchester United. I worked hard for it. Sometimes these things can happen but now I think I am 100%."

Spurs have already offered new deals to the likes of Christian Eriksen, Eric Dier, Dele Alli and Harry Kane since the start of the season.