Manchester United open talks with Toby Alderweireld as Tottenham seek over £50m for Belgian defender

• e-mail

Manchester United have opened negotiations for Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld.

The 29-year old Belgium international is out of contract at the end of next season but has so far failed to agree terms on a new contract.

Mauricio Pochettino is willing to sacrifice the stylish centre back in a bid to strengthen his squad in other areas.

Manchester United have opened negotiations for Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld

Tottenham want over £50million for Alderweireld rather than lose him on a free next summer

Tottenham want over £50million for Alderweireld and will listen to similar offers for Danny Rose and Mousa Dembele.

They have an interest in Matthijs de Ligt from Ajax though face competition from some of Europe's elite for the teenager.

United boss Jose Mourinho has been unsure of his defence and wants to strengthen at full back also.

The move for Alderweireld will raise questions over the future of Eric Bailly, Phil Jones and Victor Lindelof.

Bailly fell foul of Mourinho after declaring himself too ill to play only to report for training a day later.

United are also looking at right backs with Sime Vrsaljko, Djibril Sidibe and Joao Cancelo on their list.

Mauricio Pochettino is willing to sacrifice the centre-back in a bid to strengthen his squad