Real Madrid to Chase Toby Alderweireld Amid Tottenham Contract Stand-Off Rumours

Real Madrid are reportedly set to enter the race for Tottenham Hotspur's Toby Alderweireld amid rumours that talks between the north London club and the centre-back over a new contract "are close to breaking point."

According to John Cross in the Mirror, Alderweireld has a complex contract with Spurs that could be extended from 2019 until 2020, but only at the cost of a £25 million release clause being activated, which would be available for other clubs to meet at the end of next season.

Given that is more than affordable for the likes of Real, Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea, Spurs need to get him tied to new terms soon or cash in on him this summer, when they will still be able to demand an adequately hefty fee.

Negotiations look to be at a standstill, though. 

Belgium international Alderweireld—who is earning £50,000 per week—wants a five-year contract worth way in excess of Spurs' top wage bracket of £110,000 per week. The Premier League club is not prepared to meet those demands, per Sami Mokbel of the Daily Mail. 

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Real would be able pay the 28-year-old what he wants, and he could be a superb addition to Zinedine Zidane's squad.

Los Blancos beat Paris Saint-Germain 3-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on Wednesday to put them in the driving seat in their UEFA Champions League last-16 tie and keep alive Real's hopes of winning the tournament for a third consecutive season.

However, the Madrid giants are 17 points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona and have long been out of the running in their attempt to successfully defend the Spanish title.

Their defence has looked weak this season, particularly at home, per Sport's Alejandro Alcazar.

The Madrid back line could do with revitalising, and Alderweireld may be the ideal candidate to add solidity given he has been one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League over the past three seasons.