According to reports from Mirror Football yesterday afternoon, Southampton are preparing a club record £18million transfer swoop for Atletico Madrid defender Toby Alderweireld.
The Belgium international spent last season on loan with the Saints following a tough debut campaign at Vincente Calderon – in which the Mattress Makers launched a shock coup for the 2013/14 La Liga title – and played an important role in Ronald Koeman’s side finishing up with the second-best goals conceded column in the division.
The 26 year-old’s peripheral status in the Spanish capital and impressive form in the Premier League has generated interest from a number of English clubs, namely Chelsea, Manchester City, Spurs and Southampton – as This Is Futbol revealed last week.
In fact, Atletico have already offered the former Ajax star to the Premier League champions in the hope of re-signing Brazil international Filipe Luis – who spent four terms with the Mattress Makers before moving to Stamford Bridge last summer – in exchange.
But Southampton haven’t given up in the race to sign the 6 foot 2 centre-back. According to Mirror Football, manager Ronald Koeman is preparing an £18million bid for Alderweireld, which would make him the most expensive signing in St. Mary’s history.
The current record fee is held by £15million flop Dani Osvaldo, who has managed just 13 Premier League appearances since summer 2013 amid a series of wage-reducing loan moves.
‘Make it so’…..Season defining BIG statement of ambition if it happens.