Manchester United expect to sign Tottenham defender Alderweireld in next 48 hours

Manchester United believe they have made a breakthrough in talks with Tottenham to sign Toby Alderweireld in a deal worth £60m, claims The Daily Mirror.

The Premier League giants are desperate to sign another defender before Thursday’s deadline and have prioritised Alderweireld over Harry Maguire and Yerry Mina.

Alderweireld has turned down a new contract offer from Tottenham and is keen to leave the club this summer, with United the only side in the running for his signature.

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has dug his heels in over Alderweireld’s future and slapped a £75m valuation on his head at the start of the summer.

United’s £55m offer in May was rejected but Mourinho’s side believe they could even sign the 29-year-old in the next 48 hours in a deal worth £60m.

A three-month lay-off, coupled with the fact Davinson Sanchez was preferred by Mauricio Pochettino, limited Alderweireld to just 14 Premier League appearances last season.

Renowned for his long passing ability, Alderweireld averaged more accurate long balls (7.9) per game than any other Premier League outfielder last term.