Toby Alderweireld has again reiterated his future is not in his own hands, and that he knows nothing of the rumoured interest in him from other Premier League clubs.

The defender is on loan at Saints from Atletico Madrid until the end of the season, but nothing is clear beyond that point.

Saints possess an option to purchase him for £6.8m, but the Spanish club can effectively buy that back for £1.5m.

Given the level of his performances this season, it would be no surprise if they chose to do that, either to use him themselves or if they felt they could fetch a bigger price on the market.

The likes of Manchester City, Tottenham and Arsenal have all been linked with moves for him.

Alderweireld has already indicated he would be happy to remain at Saints, even saying he would like to do that if it was up to him, but he has also stressed the decision is not his right now.

Asked about the rumoured interest from elsewhere, he told reporters in Belgium while on international duty: “My future is not only in my own hands.

“I don't know how concrete the interest is [from Manchester City, Tottenham and Arsenal]. And maybe Atletico wants me back.”

In what could be another boost to Saints, though, the 26-year-old also added that the Premier League held “a slight preference” for him over La Liga.

“It's the most beautiful competition in the world,” he said.