Chelsea Transfer News: Tottenham Defender Toby Alderweireld Reportedly Targeted

Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Tottenham Hotspur defender Toby Alderweireld, who has failed to agree a contract extension with manager Mauricio Pochettino's side.

The Blues want Alderweireld to be part of a summer rebuild of their defence, and he could cost £45 million, per Mike McGrath of The Sun.

Meanwhile, Tottenham will look to bring in Ajax's highly rated defender Matthijs de Ligt as a replacement for the Belgium international.

Alderweireld has made just 11 Premier League appearances for Spurs this season and only one in 2018. While he has struggled with a hamstring injury that kept him out of action for three months, he has also fallen out of favour under Pochettino and his future is uncertain.

Spurs are open to selling the 29-year-old after contract talks broke down. The defender wanted his salary trebled, but the club were not willing to meet his demands, per Jonathan Hunn at the Evening Standard.

Freelance writer Huw Davies said it's difficult to understand why Spurs want to sell Alderweireld:

He has established himself as one of the Premier League's best centre-backs since joining Spurs from Atletico Madrid in 2015, and the club's willingness to let him leave is something of a surprise.

However, the club have coped well without the Belgian this season. In his absence, Jan Vertonghen and Davinson Sanchez have formed a strong partnership at the heart of the defence.

Pochettino has said he is happy with the two players, per Simon Collings at Hayters:

There does seem to be no way back for Alderweireld at Spurs, and he will surely be a wanted man if the club are willing to sell. Tottenham's rivalry with Chelsea may make a move difficult, but it may appeal to the player.

Chelsea need to strengthen after a dismal defence of their Premier League title. Manager Antonio Conte's side are fifth with three games left to play, and they face a battle to qualify for next season's UEFA Champions League.

The Blues have had issues defensively, with Conte having dropped captain Gary Cahill at times this season. The centre-back was also not called up for England's latest friendlies against the Netherlands and Italy by manager Gareth Southgate.

David Luiz is also expected to depart Stamford Bridge after struggling for regular football. Monaco are interested in the Brazil international, according to Nizaar Kinsella and Bruno Andrade at Goal.

Alderweireld would add strength to the Chelsea defence, although much may depend on Conte's future. Former Blues boss Gianluca Vialli has said the head coach is "almost looking forward to leaving" the club this summer, per Josh Frankland at Sky Sports.