Report: Spurs start contract talks with fit-again Alderweireld

A day after reports surfaced claiming that Tottenham centre-half Toby Alderweireld's current deal has a relatively modest £25.4-million buyout clause, the club has started contract talks with the Belgian international, reports the Evening Standard's Tom Collomosse.

Alderweireld's returning from a lengthy spell on the sidelines nursing a knee concern ahead of Wednesday's Champions League group stage closer with CSKA Moscow. He's arguably been the club's most consistent performer since making the switch from Atletico Madrid in 2015.

While Spurs have publicly denied that any first-team player has a buyout clause after Monday's Football Leaks discovery, the north London outfit is reportedly hoping to secure Alderweireld's services on the heels of new deals with the likes of Dele Alli, Eric Dier, and Harry Kane.

Monday's Football Leaks report contends that Alderweireld is paid £50,000 a week - a paltry sum when compared with many of the Premier League's best, including the £70,000-a-week Christian Eriksen, likely prompting Tottenham's urgency to sweeten the kitty.

Spurs have also already signed new deals this season with Eriksen, Kyle Walker, Danny Rose, and Alderweireld's defensive partner and Red Devils mate, Jan Vertonghen.

With a current deal that expires in June 2020, Collomosse reports that Spurs are looking to reward Alderweireld for his efforts for fear of losing him.