Solskjaer on collision course with Manchester United board over Alderweireld

Manchester United are refusing to rule out a move for Tottenham centre-back Toby Alderweireld despite the fact manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer isn’t keen, claims The Sun.

Alderweireld will be free to leave Tottenham for just £25m this summer and has a number of suitors after emerging as one of the best defenders in the Premier League in the last few years.

United are long-term admirers of the Belgium international but Solskjaer is understood to be against a move for the 30-year-old, instead preferring to improve the club’s current options.

Solskjaer would be willing to upgrade his defensive options for a younger player, which is why United remain in the running for Matthijs de Ligt, but the Red Devils board are still interested in Alderweireld.

United are set to make a final decision on their interest in Alderweireld next week but chief executive Ed Woodward risk straining his relationship with Solskjaer before the transfer window has even opened. 

Alderweireld dropped out of favour under Mauricio Pochettino last season but has returned to form this term and been immense for the north London outfit.

Indeed, he averaged more accurate long balls than any other outfielder in the Premier League this season (7.1).