<
>

Tottenham Hotspur deny release clause in Toby Alderweireld contract

Tottenham Hotspur have dismissed reports that defender Toby Alderweireld has a €30 million release clause in his contract.

Belgian newspaper Le Soir, publishing leaks from whistleblowers Football Leaks, reported a claim that Alderweireld would be allowed to leave White Hart Lane for roughly £24.5 million.

But a club source told ESPN FC that no Spurs player has an active release clause.

Speaking later on Tuesday at a prematch news conference, Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino said: "I don't know the contract details but I don't think a player in England has a release clause in their contract. After four years here, I've never heard that."

When asked if Alderweireld was the next key member of the squad to sign a new contract, Pochettino added: "You need to wait. It is a private matter."

Alderweireld was named in the PFA Team of the Season last term and has been outstanding since joining Spurs from Atletico Madrid in summer 2015.

The Belgium international has missed the club's last 11 matches with nerve damage to his right leg, with just two wins having been recorded in that spell.

Alderweireld, 27, is expected to return in Wednesday's Champions League match against CSKA Moscow or Sunday's trip to Manchester United.