With just eight games to go in the Premier League, some teams are already planning for next season and their summer transfer business, especially at the top end of the division.
Chelsea are no different, and despite still having all to play for in the league – starting with tomorrows massive game against Spurs, they are starting to target the players that they want.
They may be able to have a very close look at one of their targets during Sunday’s game, with the Daily Mirror reporting that the Blues are ‘determined’ to win the race to sign Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld.
The Belgian has attracted attention from Manchester United and Barcelona in recent weeks. This is partly due to potentially being available for around £25 million, as well as rumours of a fall out with Mauricio Pochettino being fuelled by his exclusion from a number of recent starting lineups.
Alderweireld has just one year remaining on his current deal, with an option to extend for a further year. However, triggering that option would also include a release clause which could see him leave for the aforementioned £25m, well under market value.
Spurs are also refusing to meet the 28-year-olds £150,000-a-week wage demands which would comfortably make him the highest earner at the club. However, these are figures that would sit comfortably inside the pay structures at both Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge.
It is thought that in order to avoid that, Spurs could sell this summer for around £40 million, and Chelsea are determined to win the race for his signature.