Toby Alderweireld could consider making a U-turn over his Tottenham Hotspur future following the arrival of Jose Mourinho as manager.

Central defender Aldweireld was ready to see out the final six months of his contract and walk out of Spurs on a free transfer before Mourinho replaced Mauricio Pochettino this week.

The Belgian felt he needed a new challenge away from Spurs, but it is understood he feels reinvigorated by the appointment of Mourinho, who wanted to sign him for Manchester United.

Mourinho eventually wants to rebuild Tottenham’s defence, but would prefer to do so around Alderweireld rather than pushing him out.

It remains to be seen whether Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is prepared to open talks over a new deal for Alderweireld, who can start talking to foreign clubs in January, or meet the Belgian’s demands.

But the 30-year-old is now more open to the prospect of reopening contract negotiations and is no longer discounting the prospect of staying at Spurs past the end of this season.