Atletico Madrid defender Toby Alderweireld is attracting strong interest from Southampton and Tottenham, with the two clubs ready to indulge in a bidding war for the 26-year-old this summer.

The Belgian International played for Southampton last season on loan from Atletico Madrid. Alderweireld established himself as a key figure for Ronald Koeman’s side who secured European football for only the second time in 30 years.

According to sources, both clubs are locked in discussions with Atletico over a deal for Alderweireld and having finished within 2 points of each other last season, both offer Europa League football. Ronald Koeman is determined to land the player on a permanent basis and was quoted as saying :

“The player likes to stay, we like to keep the player but it’s a little difficult at the moment with Atlético Madrid. I have a good hope he will stay for Southampton.”

Alderweireld is keen to remain in England and also expressed his interest in pairing up with fellow Belgium international Jan Vertonghen at Tottenham saying :

“It would be very nice to play again with Jan. The interest has yet to be concrete and finally Atletico must let me go. Atletico will decide my future, but I would like to stay in the Premier League. That some of the big clubs show interest proves I’m doing well.”

With both clubs having made their intentions clear, Atletico would prefer selling him to the highest bidder to get as much as possible out of the deal.