According to the Independent, Tottenham are expected to sign Joachim Andersen this summer, likely because Mauricio Pochettino could lose Toby Alderweireld.
Anderson is a highly-rated defender who has been linked with Spurs all season and Miguel Delaney’s report says the Londoners have made progress in negotiations. The same can’t be said for Alderweireld, however, with latest reports suggesting he’s turning down contracts that don’t meet his £150k-per-week demands.
The Belgian international will be out of contract in 2020 after Tottenham triggered a 12-month extension, but he’s now got a £26m release clause and might be the subject of interest for a number of clubs over the summer.
He’s featured in 24 of Spurs 26 Premier League games this season and remains a key player at the heart of the defence. Tottenham still have Jan Vertonghen, Davinson Sanchez and Juan Foyth should Alderweireld depart ahead of the 2019/20 campaign, but Pochettino would seek out a fourth centre-back.
Andersen might be that man, even amid interest from Manchester United. The 22-year-old has made 33 appearances in all competitions for Sampdoria since joining the Serie A side from FC Twente in 2017.
Crippy Cooke’s previous article
Opinion: Tottenham should agree one-year deal for forward, Pochettino must sell Dutchman