Tottenham Transfer News: Toby Alderweireld Reportedly Closing in on New Contract

Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Toby Alderweireld is reportedly close to agreeing a new five-year contract, one set to replace the £25 million release clause in his existing deal.

MailOnline's Sami Mokbel has revealed how Spurs are working hard to agree new terms to render Alderweireld's clause moot.

He wrote:

"

Rival clubs can trigger the Belgian's clause in the summer of 2019, if Tottenham take up a one year option to extend his deal to 2020.

And while there is no immediate danger of Tottenham being exposed by the clause; the club are in advanced talks over a new deal that would [see] it eradicated altogether.

"

Fortunately for Tottenham, Mokbel also revealed how both player and club are optimistic a new agreement will be struck: "Indeed, both parties are growing increasingly confident that a positive end to talks are imminent, with a new five-year contract worth around £75,000-per-week close to being agreed."

Securing Alderweireld's long-term future in north London would naturally be something of a coup for Spurs. After all, the Belgium international is perhaps the key figure in what is usually a dependable defence.

Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen ensure Spurs stay strong at the back. Yet, while the latter's experience and comfort on the ball are useful assets, the Tottenham defence is at its most miserly whenever the former Atletico Madrid man is in the lineup.

Julian Finney/Getty Images

The 27-year-old brings a sense of reliability to his defensive work. He is quick across the ground, anticipates the game well and is sure as a tackler.

Alderweireld's defensive numbers this season only underline his importance, per WhoScored.com:

Competition	Tackles per game	Interceptions per game	Clearances per game	Blocks per game	Fouls
Premier League	1.3	0.8	5.3	0.8	0.4
Champions League	1.3	1	3.3	0	0.7
Europa League	1.5	1	5	0.5	0.5

However, injuries have been an issue for the former Ajax and Southampton man during this campaign. He missed nearly two months of the season dealing with nerve damage in his leg, per Dave Fraser of The Sun.

Worryingly, Alderweireld needed to be substituted during Sunday's 4-0 win over Stoke City in the Premier League. Afterward, manager Mauricio Pochettino played down the decision, saying it was merely a safety measure, per James Olley of the London Evening Standard:

Fraser revealed how Alderweireld has since been passed fit for the upcoming league match against Everton at White Hart Lane on Sunday.

It's a match Spurs must win to strengthen their hold on second place and a possible top-four finish. Alderweireld will be needed to help subdue Everton's prolific Belgian striker, Romelu Lukaku.

Spurs finishing in the top four and qualifying for the UEFA Champions League next season could prove the decisive final factor in whether Alderweireld signs his new contract or not.