Real Madrid have placed Tottenham Hotspur defender Toby Alderweireld on their list of transfer targets, according to Don Balon.

What’s the word?

The transfer links between Tottenham and Madrid have emerged yet again, but this time it is Alderweireld who is at the centre of them.

The Belgian is yet to pen fresh terms at the North London club, leading to suggestions that the 28-year-old may consider his options at the end of the season.

Don Balon claims that Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is an admirer of the defender, who is being considered as a potential partner at the back for Sergio Ramos.

Could it be down to wages?

There is no doubt that Spurs are heading in the right direction as a club given that they have been in the race for the Premier League title the past two seasons.

The North London outfit are also due to move into a state-of-the-art new stadium for the 2018-19 campaign, which will further boost their status as a genuine threat in English football.

With that being said, it begs the question why Alderweireld, who is a regular starter under manager Mauricio Pochettino, has not yet signed a new deal.

It is no secret that Spurs have one of the more modest wage structures in the top flight, and if Madrid do come calling, they would be able to offer Alderweireld a much bigger pay package.

The defender’s plans for the future are unknown, but if Tottenham want to be among the big boys on the pitch, then they need to boost salaries off it.