Southampton are considering the possibility of taking legal action against Atletico Madrid if Toby Alderweireld is sold to . Tottenham Hotspur.
Toby Alderweireld came up through the ranks of Ajax, before joining Atletico Madrid in 2013. The Belgian international however failed to grab a regular place in the starting line-up under Diego Simeone and made just 12 appearances in the league, in his debut season.
The 26-year-old was then shipped off to England, on loan to Southampton, at the start of last season. Alderweireld had an impressive start to his Premier League career under Ronald Koeman and made 26 appearances for the Saints in the league, which would have been more if not for injury he suffered half-way through the season.
The Belgian defender however has stated his desire to stay in the Premier League and rumours in media suggest that his wish is likely to be fulfilled this summer; but where in the Premier League still remains a question.
Southampton had an option to sign Alderweireld permanently at the end of the loan spell for a fee of A?6.8 million. Atletico however had an option to pay A?1.5 million to Southampton, in order to disregard permanent deal clause and sell Alderweireld to the highest bidder.
The Spanish club has however missed the deadline to buy back that clause and Southampton are now open to sign the defender for the above mentioned fee. Things however have been complicated by Tottenham Hotspura s interest in buying former Ajax man.
Reports suggest that Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has met Miguel Angel Gil, the CEO of Atletico Madrid, and both the clubs have agreed a deal for the transfer of Alderweireld, for a fee of A?11.5 million. Southampton are now believed to be considering legal action against Atletico Madrid, if they sell the defender to Spurs.
Ronald Koeman sees Alderweireld as an important part of his plans next season and the departure of Nathaniel Clyne to Liverpool has put further importance on this transfer. Southampton or Atletico are yet to issue an official statement about these recent developments, but we certainly havena t heard the last of this Alderweireld saga.