SAINTS could be on the verge of losing out to former boss Mauricio Pochettino in the race to sign Toby Alderweireld.

There are reports in the Italian media that Tottenham have agreed a £11.4m deal with Atletico Madrid to sign the Belgian international defender.

Alderweireld was a huge success in his debut Premier League season on loan at St Mary’s last season.

They had a £6.8million option to buy the player, but Atletico paid Saints £1.5million to negate that clause.

As a result, they can now sell Alderweireld – who can also play in midfield but who mainly turned out at centre half alongside Jose Fonte last season – for whatever price they can get.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy last week flew to Madrid top open negotations with Atletico, who are keen to cash in on the player.

Tottenham already have a number of Alderweireld’s fellow Belgians at White Hart Lane – Jan Vertonghen, Nacer Chadli and Mousa Dembele.