Tottenham have confirmed they have activated a clause to extend the contract of Belgian defender Toby Alderweireld until 2020.
The 29-year-old’s deal had been set to expire at the end of the season, with the 84-time capped Belgian international having been linked with a move to Manchester United.
The extension means Alderweireld will no longer be available on a free transfer at the season’s end, although this may not deter United after it was revealed the deal includes a £25million release clause that will come into effect this summer.
Any clubs interested in pursuing Alderweireld would have to activate that clause 14 or more days before the end of the summer transfer window.
Alderweireld has been with Tottenham since 2015 having arrived for £11.5m from Atletico Madrid, having spent the previous season on-loan at Southampton.
The former Ajax centre-back has been a key player for Spurs this season, making 15 Premier League appearances for Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
The Club can confirm that we have activated the option to extend @AlderweireldTob’s contract until 2020.
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 4, 2019