Late last week as the mainstream press scrambled for content given the fact that real news has fallen off a cliff as it always does during the international break, Tottenham Hotspur saw an old transfer rumour from the summer reappear and it was given a bit of a facelift.
The Daily Star reported an ‘exclusive’ – so we can safely say it’s relationship to the truth is highly questionable – but with ongoing Toby Alderweireld speculation, they claimed that manager Mauricio Pochettino would use the 29-year-old as bait in an effort to capture Manchester United defender Eric Bailly on a swap deal.
The 24-year-old has featured seven times for Jose Mourinho so far this season but the £30million capture from Villarreal has arguably never lived up to his billing at the club apart from on occasions, so it’s pretty obvious as a transfer rumour and of course Arsenal are also linked with him with the January transfer window nearing.
It’s pretty much a none story really, and I’m giving it airtime as I found some of the reactions from fans interesting.
Martial and Bailly for Toby and we’ll give ya some cash
— CELTICS 18/19 SZN (0-0) (@Zooba39) October 12, 2018
Hopefully Toby signs a new deal.
That said Bailly will be another player that goes on to be excellent once he’s no longer coached by Mourinho.
Was very good before and will be again.— Martin Reynolds (@martinreynolds9) October 12, 2018
I'd take that
— Jip Enamu (@Jipster102) October 12, 2018
Bailly is not a Ford Focus… Nissan Micra more like ????
— Samuel Weston (@Westonsamuel) October 13, 2018
???????? Maybe Sissoko for Martial would love to see that happen #COYS #THFC
— Jonathan McDonald (@jonathan_coys) October 12, 2018
Wouldnt be a bad deal if Toby doesnt want to stay, he was rated very highly when united signed him and lets be honest Mourinho turns most players to shit after a while so he could come good again
— Jamie Matthews (@jaymatths88) October 12, 2018
Who’s gonna be the first one to say ‘Poch will make him world class’ ????
— Lee Smith (@LeeSmith2000) October 12, 2018
Why would we want a downgrade on Toby? If Toby goes spurs will only sell for cash and buy someone like de ligt
— Steve (@steview6203) October 12, 2018
If Toby is going (as it seems certain) then this could be a good deal. Bailly is a very good defender with different attributes to Toby. COYS
— Gavin D (@gavindavies80) October 12, 2018
Great…swap a top class defender for a shower of sh*t…
— Parvez Siddiqui (@parvezsiddiqui) October 12, 2018
Whilst plenty are unconvinced about Bailly, I’m almost intrigued as to why so many feel he would be a good replacement for Alderweireld – okay I’m not an avid United viewer – but he’s honestly never really stood out for me in games I have seen, including highlights.
I’m not sure if I’m missing something but I feel there is better out there if we are looking at reducing the age of defence.