Southampton are on the brink of taking legal action against Atletico Madrid over the potential transfer of Belgian centre-back Toby Alderweireld to Tottenham Hotspur.
Spurs have, according to various news outlets, struck a deal with the Spanish club to buy Alderweireld who is said to be flying to London to complete an £11.5 million move, with a five-year deal ready for his signature. Spurs Chairman, Daniel Levy reportedly held successful talks with the 2014 Champions League finalists after flying to Madrid over the weekend.
However, Southampton are looking into the legality of Atletico’s actions, saying that they failed to cancel the clause which gives Saints first option to buy the Belgian defender, something Ronald Koeman confirmed in his pre-season press conference.
The Dutchman explained: “Southampton signed an option for the player, and Atletico Madrid are trying to buy back the option. But it was too late.
‘What happened with Tottenham in the middle, I don’t know. Seriously, I don’t know. Les Reed is working on that situation and I await more news about that situation with Toby. We want him back, of course, and the player told us the same (before the summer).”
This comes after Koeman confirmed Alderweireld’s willingness to stay at St. Mary’s following the campaign’s close.
He said: “The player likes to stay, we like to keep the player but it’s a little difficulty at the moment with Atletico Madrid, I have a good hope he will stay for Southampton.”
Alderweireld was a crucial part of Southampton’s spine last year with his partnership with skipper Jose Fonte being a major factor in the club’s success.
