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Man Utd transfer news: Sky Sports pundit makes transfer prediction on who will sign
SKY SPORTS pundit Michael Bridge believes Toby Alderweireld will sign for Manchester United - and not Harry Maguire.
SKY SPORTS pundit Michael Bridge believes Toby Alderweireld will sign for Manchester United - and not Harry Maguire.
United boss Jose Mourinho wants to sign a new central defender with Leicester's Maguire and Tottenham's Alderweireld among his targets.
With Leicester demanding £80million Alderweireld would be a cheaper option - even if Spurs hold out for a big fee.
And Bridge believes it's the Belgian who is more likely to end up at Old Trafford.
Speaking on the Sky Sports Transfer Talk podcast, Bridge said: “I don’t think the Alderweireld situation is over at all. In fact I think they’ve got more chance of signing Alderweireld over Maguire. That’s just an opinion.
It’s looking increasingly unlikely that Toby will sign a new contract at Tottenham
“I think Maguire doesn’t seem the type that would be in a hurry to leave Leicester for now. It’s well known Mauricio Pochettino and Toby Alderweireld’s relationship is strained.
“There’s been no talks or formal offers. Spurs still want in excess of £50m.
“Again it’s very important to mention that Spurs have the option to extend the contract for an extra 12 months until 2020 but, and this is a big but I cannot lie, it would trigger a £25m release clause.
“What’s that in today’s world? It’s looking increasingly unlikely that Toby will sign a new contract at Tottenham.”
The arrival of a new centre-back could put Chris Smalling's place at Old Trafford under threat but he insists he is not bothered by the prospect of new arrivals in his position.
He said: "To be fair I think I'm used to that every year.
"This club is always linked to centre-backs, whether it's the club or agents or whoever, because the best come here.
"But I'm happy and when I'm fit, I play, so I just want to carry on from last season and right now the shirt's mine and I intend to keep it.
"The transfer window has been brought forward and it's often hectic, so I'm sure there will be plenty of activity."