Barcelona Reportedly Monitoring Toby Alderweireld with View to Summer Transfer

Barcelona are reportedly keeping an eye on Toby Alderweireld's situation at Tottenham Hotspur with a view to a possible summer swoop for the defender. 

According to Miguel Delaney of The Independent, the Blaugrana are ready to make a "serious bid" for Alderweireld at the end of the campaign, as contract talks between the player and Spurs continue to stall.

In the piece, it's suggested there is a clause in the 28-year-old's contract that would allow Alderweireld to leave the north London club in the summer of 2019 for £25 million. His current contract is set to expire in 2020.

"Sources close to the situation maintain that Alderweireld's representatives see Virgil van Dijk's deal with Liverpool as setting a new baseline for top defenders, and that they would want a deal closer to his reported wage of £180,000 a week," said Delaney. "The ongoing inability to strike a deal has piqued Barcelona's interest."

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In the report it's suggested that Manchester United also hold an interest in Alderweireld, although the Red Devils would reportedly be hesitant about dealing with Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy.

The speculation that's gathered pace surrounding Alderweireld recently will be a little concerning to Spurs supporters, as he's been a linchpin at the back in recent seasons under manager Mauricio Pochettino.

For many, the centre-back is the best in his position in the Premier League; Dan Kilpatrick of ESPN FC believes he'd be difficult to replace:

However, Harry Sherlock of Goal feels Spurs would potentially benefit from a sale and reinvesting the money elsewhere:

The former Southampton and Atletico Madrid star makes a huge difference to the Tottenham team when he does play.

Alderweireld reads danger, is quick across the ground and is smart when it comes to decision-making. The Belgium man picks the right times to be cautious and knows when to be aggressive.

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Additionally, he's an intelligent footballer. Alderweireld is excellent on the ball and while it's not his primary duty, his ability to start attacks from deep with his distribution is a big asset to Tottenham. The centre-back can knock passes into midfield and ping long balls out to the flanks with precision.

Overall, when Spurs have Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen in tandem at the base of the team, they're much more secure. These numbers from WhoScored.com earlier in the season point to the importance of the former:

Given his all-round qualities, Alderweireld would be a tremendous fit at Barcelona.

Spurs may have more important players further forward in their team and other brilliant centre-backs in the form of Vertonghen and Davinson Sanchez. But if they're to challenge consistently at the top end of the Premier League, it's important they keep the spine of their side intact for seasons to come.