By Derek Smithson

Tottenham are set to begin talks with defender Toby Alderweireld about a new improved contract, according to a report.

The Mirror claim that Spurs are keen for the 28-year-old to become one of their best paid players and prevent a move to interested Italian side Inter Milan.

It is understood that the centre-back currently earns £50,000-a-week and wants to move alongside the top bracket earners of Harry Kane and Hugo Lloris on £100,000-a-week deals.

The report details that Alderweireld currently has a £25million release clause which can be activated in 2019, but they are keen to remove that in their fresh talks.

Alderweireld is regarded as one of the best defenders in the Premier League and has become an integral part of the Spurs team since his arrival in 2015.

The commanding defender is an ever-present in Mauricio Pochettino’s side and is very comfortable in possession.

The Belgium international made 39 appearance across all competitions for Spurs last season and is part of their highly rated side that are pushing for silverware

He has struck up a formidable partnership at centre-back alongside compatriot Jan Vertonghen and have played a major role in the north London club have the most solid defence in the Premier League.

Football Insider verdict:

Spurs have moved quickly to sign up most of their first teamers to long-term deals in the past 12 months and Alderweireld should certainly be added to that list. The centre-back would walk into the starting line-up of any team in the Premier League and is one of few top-class defender in English football. He is one of the unsung heroes in the Spurs team, with the attackers Dele Alli and Harry Kane receiving most of the plaudits. Alderweireld could move alongside the club’s top earners and it would be difficult to argue that he doesn’t deserve it. Pochettino knows he needs to keep the core of his squad together if they are to win titles and Alderweireld is a player that can help them achieve their goals.

In other Tottenham transfer news, they have abandoned their pursuit of an international midfielder.

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