Pochettino confirms Spurs star will be handed new short-term deal

Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino has made it clear that the club will trigger a clause in Toby Alderweireld’s contract to extend the defender’s deal by one more year.

The Belgium international’s current contract was set to run out in the summer, prompting speculation that various clubs were interested with Premier League rivals Manchester United notably keeping tabs on him.

At one point last summer, the centre-back looked as though he was heading to Old Trafford as other rumours suggested that Spurs would be signing Anthony Martial in what would have been a swap deal with the Red Devils.

Alderweireld’s contract extension does include a fairly cheap release clause of just £25m, which might not be enough to drive away suitors in the summer.

Pochettino has confirmed this week that the 29-year-old’s contract will be briefly extended, as the team focuses on challenging for the title for the rest of the season.

“Yes, for sure. It is obvious. It is the same situation as Jan (Vertonghen).” the boss said of triggering the 29-year-old’s clause