5 centre backs that Manchester United could target in January

#2 Toby Alderweireld

Tottenham's Toby Alderweireld has been linked with United previously

Belgian defender Toby Alderweireld was apparently one of United’s targets in the summer, largely because the Tottenham man was refusing to ink a new contract in North London and thus probably would’ve been available for a cheaper fee than would usually have been possible. But United never really made a move, apparently because Ed Woodward believed that he wasn’t really an upgrade on the defenders they already had.

Well, during United’s 0-3 loss to Tottenham back in August, Alderweireld was outstanding – horrifying United fans who couldn’t understand Woodward’s perspective on things. It’s quite telling, for instance, that the Belgian has a higher average rating on WhoScored.com than any of United’s current 4 centre-backs – Eric Bailly, Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Victor Lindelof.

If current reports are to be believed, Woodward has now done a u-turn and sanctioned a £40m move for the Tottenham man, who still hasn’t signed a new deal. From a Spurs perspective it may be worth cashing in now – Alderweireld is 29 years old and although he’s a great player, taking £40m would be better than letting him walk for free – which means this is a deal that could happen next month.