SAINTS believe they are entitled to complete a permanent deal for Toby Alderweireld, after Atletico Madrid failed to cancel the Belgium international's buy-out clause in time.

The 26-year-old spent a brilliant loan spell at St Mary's last season, with part of the deal including an option that allowed the club to buy him for £6.8m this summer.

His parent club had the ability to cancel that arrangement, by paying a £1.5m fee, but it is understood that they missed the deadline to do so.

 

Saints believe, therefore, that they should be able to proceed with the purchase of the defender.

Reports have suggested that Tottenham have been closing in on a deal for Alderweireld, with chairman Daniel Levy said to have travelled to Madrid in recent days for talks.

It is understood that Saints may look at a legal argument if Atletico, who know Alderweireld is now worth far more than the agreement they struck when sending him out on loan, proceed in selling the player to someone else.

Bringing Alderweireld back to St Mary's has been a top priority for the club's board this summer, after he formed an integral part of the side that secured a club-record finish of seventh in the Premier League, as well as qualification for the Europa League.

Alderweireld himself is keen on a return to England's top-flight, and has previously stated that he would be pleased with a permanent move to Saints.

Spurs have become increasingly confident that he would welcome a move to White Hart Lane, though, where he could be partnered with Belgium teammate Jan Vertonghen at the heart of defence.

But, when speaking in a club interview early last week, Saints manager Ronald Koeman was optimistic that Alderweireld would return to St Mary's.

"The player likes to stay, we like to keep the player but it’s a little difficulty at the moment with Atlético Madrid," he said.

"I have a good hope he will stay for Southampton."