Manchester United are hoping to take advantage of Mauricio Pochettino’s desire for Tottenham Hotspur to wrap up their transfer business early in their pursuit of Belgium defender Toby Alderweireld.

Jose Mourinho, who is also pursuing a deal for Shakhtar Donetsk and Brazil midfielder Fred, wants to sign a centre-half this summer as the United manager bids to strengthen his defence and believes Alderweireld would be a good fit.

Negotiating with Daniel Levy, the Tottenham chairman, has long proven a taxing experience for United and a formal move for the £50 million plus rated Alderweireld could still be fraught with complications.

But Pochettino has made it clear to Levy, both publicly and in talks with the Spurs chairman, that he wants the club to conduct their business earlier than in previous summers, both in terms of ins and outs, and United hope that stance could assist any approach for Alderweireld.

Spurs have traditionally left business late but, with a shortened transfer window compounded by the World Cup finals, which will further limit time to do deals, Pochettino hopes the club do not drag their heels and wants the go-ahead to sell anybody he believes he can replace. Levy is eager for Pochettino to sign a new contract and knows he may have to bow to some of the manager’s wishes.