Tottenham Hotspur defender Toby Alderweireld is understood to be prepared to open talks over a new contract after being convinced by new manager José Mourinho.
The 30-year-old was believed to be keen on a move away during the summer and he will enter the final six months of his current deal in January, meaning he would be able to discuss a free transfer overseas.
However, according to Belgian outlet La Dernière Heure, things may now have changed as Alderweireld is relishing the chance to work with Mourinho, who has made no secret of his desire to keep the Belgian.
Mourinho wanted to sign Alderweireld for both Chelsea and Manchester United in the past, but found himself unable to convince Spurs chairman Daniel Levy to let him go.
Now that he is in charge at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Mourinho does not want to lose Alderweireld any time soon, so he has specifically told Levy to get his contract renewal over the line.
Initial talks over a new contract broke down during the summer after Spurs were unwilling to meet Alderweireld's demands of around £95,000 per week, but Mourinho has now stressed the importance of giving the 30-year-old what he wants.
Alderweireld sees just how highly he is valued by Mourinho, so he is now said to be prepared to extend his stay at the club to work under the boss.
Mourinho may be looking for new signings, but securing Alderweireld's future could be even more important to the team. The Belgian is a stellar talent with years of Premier League experience under his belt, and he is the kind of player Mourinho needs as he looks to help Spurs bounce back.
It seems like it's purely a question of finances. Both Mourinho and Alderweireld want this deal to be done, so it will come down to whether Levy will accept defeat and give in to the centre back's demands.
£95,000-a-week is not an outrageous figure in this day and age, especially for someone of Alderweireld's quality, but Levy does not exactly have the best track record when it comes to offering bumper wages.
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Source : 90min