Southampton expect to pip Tottenham to signing of Atletico Madrid defender Toby Alderweireld

Southampton are expecting to complete a deal for Toby Alderweireld after Atletico Madrid failed to cancel the buy-out clause in time.

The 26-year-old spent a highly-successful season on loan at St Mary's last season after finding playing time limited at the Vicente Calderon Stadium.

Alderweireld's performances have led to interest from the likes of Tottenham, with reports on Sunday suggesting that Spurs had agreed a deal with the Spanish club.

However, Southampton remain confident of signing the Belgium international for a cut-price £6.8million, the buy-out clause which formed part of his loan.

The La Liga side had the option to cancel it by paying Saints a £1.5million fee, but it is understood they did not do so in time.

As such, Southampton believe they are entitled to sign the defender and could even look at a legal argument should he sign elsewhere.