Chelsea Transfer News: Blues Step Up Toby Alderweireld Chase in Latest Rumours

Chelsea are reportedly set to intensify their efforts to land Tottenham Hotspur defender Toby Alderweireld in the coming months, as they are desperate to beat Barcelona and Manchester United to his signature.

According to Darren Lewis of the Daily Mirror, Barcelona and United would be willing to pay Alderweireld £150,000 a week, as contract talks between the defender and Spurs continue to stall.

Lewis added that while Spurs would be against selling to a local rival in the Blues, the curious situation surrounding Alderweireld's deal in north London might give them an opportunity.

"The centre-back's contract includes a one-year extension option, scheduled to activate in the summer of 2019, which would see him contracted to 2020," explained Lewis. "But it also has a £25 million release clause that could be activated in the summer of 2019, as long as a transfer is completed at least 14 days before the end of the window."

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As a result, Tottenham are said to be tempted to sell the 29-year-old this summer, and while it's reported they value him at around £55 million, a £40 million bid may be enough for any potential suitors to prise the defender away.

Since arriving at Spurs, Alderweireld has established himself as the Premier League's best defender in the eyes of many, although this season has been blemished by injury issues.

During the recent international break, Belgium manager Roberto Martinez said he needs to play in order to ensure he is part of summer's FIFA World Cup squad:

Tottenham fans won't be too concerned about that; they'll be a little worried about the prospect of losing such an influential player at the end of the season, though.

In the last three seasons, particularly in tandem with his compatriot Jan Vertonghen, Alderweireld has been imperious for Mauricio Pochettino's team. He's not the most physical defender around, nor the quickest, but in terms of reading the game and timing tackles, Alderweireld really stands out.

If Spurs do want to be a team that will challenge for the biggest prizes in years to come, keeping key men at the spine of the side, like Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Alderweireld, is important.

According to Kristof Terreur of Het Laatste Nieuws, the onus is on the Premier League side to get an extension agreed:

Although Chelsea have a number of centre-back options at the club already—including the excellent Cesar Azpilicueta and the promising pair of Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger—getting Alderweireld on board would represent a coup for the Blues.

United and Barcelona would provide obvious temptation to the player in terms of prestige and lucrative terms. But the chance to stay in London and for a team that's won two of the last the three Premier League titles would also be appealing to Alderweireld.