Toby Alderweireld says he would not be put off staying at Southampton if they miss out on the Champions League

The defender admits, however, that a decision over his future is not up to him, but instead his parent club, Atletico Madrid.

Saints have Alderweireld on loan until the end of the campaign and possess a clause allowing them to sign him for £6.8m in the summer – but the Spanish side can effectively buy that option back for £1.5m.

Given his performances this season, it is entirely possible Atletico might want to recall him, or that they would think they could command a far greater fee, especially with clubs such as Manchester City reportedly interested in the 26-year-old.

If the choice was up to Alderweireld, he explained that he would like to stay at Saints – adding that it doesn’t matter where they finish this season – but that Atletico currently hold the power.

“Atletico decides where I play,” he said. “I can say, ‘I want this, I want this,’ but Atletico decides.

“The only thing I can say is that I am happy here. I really enjoy playing for Southampton.

“I love the club, love the fans. That’s the only thing I can say.”

Alderweireld also insists Saints’ finishing position this season will not be a real factor if it eventually comes down to him to make a decision over his future.

“Not much I think,” he said. “The most important thing is that the club have confidence in me to play.

“I felt that from day one here. For every player, the biggest thing is confidence.

“I really want to feel that, and then it’s up to me.

“They gave me a chance, and I have to take the chance. If I play four times bad, of course I will be on the bench.

“I just want to have the chance to play, and that’s it. If I stay here, no problem. I really like it here. If I have to go back, then I will do my best.”

He added: “I hope to play in a team that has confidence in me, that’s the only thing I want.”