Toby Alderweireld reveals the truth behind Manchester United’s summer pursuit

Manchester United remain very interested in Toby Alderweireld.

Alderweireld was one of United's top targets in the summer as manager Jose Mourinho aimed to add a world class centre-half to his back four but the club failed to bring in a central defender. The Red Devils reportedly bid £50 million for the Tottenham Hotspur centre-half but that was roughly £20 million lower than Spurs' valuation of the 29-year-old. Discussions continued up until the beginning of the Premier League season but a deal couldn't be agreed. Ahead of Belgium's Uefa Nations League game against Iceland on Tuesday, Alderweireld discussed the rumours linking him with a move away from Spurs over the summer. "Everyone was saying everywhere that I absolutely wanted to leave Tottenham," Alderweireld said. "That's not true. This summer, I quickly understood Tottenham wanted to keep me. So, I had to battle to get my place back in the team. To be in the first team again is a victory for me." Alderweireld, whose Belgium side made it to the semi-finals of the World Cup in the summer, has yet to put pen to paper on a new deal with Mauricio Pochettino's side and it's claimed that his current contract, which expires in 2020, dictates that he will be available for just £25 million next summer. Given the fact that £25 million would be considered a bargain for a defender as talented as Alderweireld in the current transfer climate, United could face some stiff competition if they return with a bid for him next summer. "I just try to help Tottenham as best I can with my qualities," Alderweireld added. "Regarding my future, everything that was said in the press was not right all the time."