Tottenham Hotspur have reacted quickly to deny claims Toby Alderweireld can leave the club in a cut price deal - and have moved to hand him a new contract in the process.
Claims on Monday suggested that the centre back was free to leave White Hart Lane for an apparent £30m after details surrounding a release clause in his current deal were published
from Football Leaks, with the whistleblowers also alleging that Alderweireld earned just £50k-a-week at the present time.
In a move that smells distinctly of panic and alarm, however, Spurs refuted suggestions that such a clause existed, according to the London Evening Standard, before confirming that talks over fresh terms for the 27-year-old were underway at the North London based club.
Toby Alderweireld already in talks over a new, long-term contract at Tottenham. Unrelated to any clauses. More @Mirrorfootball shortly.
Naturally, cynical football fans will see this as Tottenham acting swiftly to ensure that the alleged clause is removed from Alderweireld's contract as soon as possible, given that the Belgium international is one of the hottest defensive properties in the Premier League.
Alderweireld formed the tightest centre back partnership in England's top flight last term alongside compatriot Jan Vertongten as Tottenham mounted a serious title challenge.
However, a capitulation in the final weeks of the season ensured that Mauricio Pochettino's men eventually finished third behind North London rivals Arsenal and eventual champions Leicester City.
With other key players such as Vertonghen, Harry Kane and Hugo Lloris also putting pen to paper on new long term contracts, representatives at Spurs have also clarified that their other stars do not have release clauses inserted into their own deals with the Lilywhites, presumably in a bid to try and stave off other rumours from emanating out of the press.
Tottenham tonight adamant that none of their players have release clauses in their contracts #thfc
As well as the apparent release clause and the revelation surrounding his wages, Alderweireld's first-team appearance bonus fee (£5k per match), bonus for making 30 appearances if Spurs qualify for the Champions League (£260k) and image rights (£470k) were also disclosed by Football Leaks on December 5.
Former Southampton loanee Alderweireld had sat out two months' worth of football with a knee injury, but has returned to full training ahead of the upcoming and crucial festive fixture period.
The leak comes amid a whole host of divulged information about other Premier League stars, with Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho accused of tax evasion and footballers such as Roberto Firmino's release clause fee and Eden Hazard's transfer fee also revealed over the past few days.
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