The Saints are now favourites to sign Toby Alderweireld…
Southampton are chasing Toby Alderweireld from Atletico Madrid, and look likely to beat Arsenal to the Belgium World Cup star’s signature, Goal reports.
Both Newcastle and Sunderland have also been heavily linked to the 25-year-old, but it now appears that he’ll be moving to Ronald Koeman’s Southampton side instead.
Alderweireld can play on the right of defence or at centre-back, although he was predominantly used as a substitute during Atletico’s La Liga winning campaign last season.
He moved to the Spanish giants last summer from Ajax, but could be ready to move and play more regular first-team football.
Alderweireld is gritty, hard-working and prides himself on his no-nonsense defensive approach. If the proposed move to Southampton finalises today before the transfer window shuts, expect Alderweireld to be mainly used as a central defender, due to the ever improving Nathaniel Clyne at right-back.
Saints fans will hope he settles in as quickly as Dejan Lovren did last season, the man Alderweireld will be effectively replacing following the Croat’s sale to Liverpool.