Monday, 28th January, 2013
Ajax defender Toby Alderweireld has put his suitors on alert by admitting he is ready to take a "step up" in his career, to a "nice club".
The Belgian centre-back is a man in demand and has been strongly linked with joining his countryman Jan Vertonghen at Tottenham Hotspur, while a switch to Arsenal has also been mooted. Both of these are options Alderweireld has gone on record as admitting he would find to represent "progress" in his career.
At present the 23-year-old’s contract at the Amsterdam ArenA expires in 2014 and, though Ajax have insisted they want to extend it, the Belgian denies having fielded an offer just yet.
And Alderweireld feels he knows the drill, which could see him sold in the summer if a bid arrives which suits the Dutch champions.
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"My agent has not heard anything yet. I am waiting patiently", he told NUSport, speaking of the expected contract offer.
"My father sorts these kinds of things out, takes care of it, protects me so that I can concentrate on the football", he continued, before reflecting upon how a sale could come about.
"We all know how it goes.
"Many players want to take a step up and if I do that this summer, Ajax will bring in funds.
"I am ready for that step up when there is a nice club, but I could also stay for another year."
And, the 23-year-old mused: "Perhaps there is an offer on the way."
Alderweireld is a vital part of coach Frank de Boer’s Ajax side and has made 19 appearances in the Eredivisie so far this season.
The defender also played in all six of the club’s Champions League group stage games.
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