RONALD Koeman has confirmed Saints’ belief that Atletico Madrid have missed a deadline to cancel the club’s option to buy Toby Alderweireld – and that the player told him he wants to move to St Mary’s.

Alderweireld spent last season on loan from the Spanish side, with Saints possessing a clause that allowed them to sign the Belgium international permanently for £6.8m this summer.

 

Atletico had the right to cancel that by paying a fee of £1.5m, but were understood to have failed to do so in time.

Koeman confirmed those reports when asked for an update on the situation with Alderweireld, who is reportedly close to a move to Tottenham.

“What came out in the press, that Southampton signed an option to the player and Atletico Madrid is trying to pay back the option and our knowledge is that it’s, and was, too late and what happened with Tottenham in the middle I don’t know – seriously, I don’t know what happened,” he said.

Les Reed is working on that situation and I will wait for more news about the situation of Toby.”

Asked whether he wanted Alderweireld to return, Koeman said: “Of course. And the player told us the same.”

The Saints boss added that conversation had taken place before the summer.

However, he revealed he had exchanged messages with the 26-year-old since then, but added those would remain private.

“I mentioned that we had a talk to Toby last season, before then and not this season, and he was very happy about Southampton and we mentioned to the player that we like to continue with the player and that was the case to Atletico Madrid and what happened after I don’t know,” said Koeman.

When asked if Saints would be willing to match another club’s offer, even if it was for more than the option they possessed, he said: “I don’t know. I think it’s more up to the club and to Les Reed, because they are already in that business and I get confirmation.

“I’m not the person who has to answer about these questions.”