Almost Done – Chelsea Target Arrives London For Medicals, Fee Agreed & Personal Terms Agreed

Tottenham are on the verge of completing a deal for Atletico Madrid defender, Toby Alderweireld despite legal threats by Southampton to “scupper the deal”, according to the Evening Standard.

It was reported earlier last week that Spurs’ chairman, Daniel Levy met with Atletico Madrid over talks to sign Alderweireld, who played on loan for Southampton last season.

Also last week, Sky Sports reported that Tottenham have made Toby Alderweireld one of their top targets, as Mauricio Pochettino looks to “bolster” his defence.

Despite legal threats by Southampton that the player must not sign with anyone else, Atletico appears to have not been moved, and have sanctioned the transfer.

The reason, as per the London Evening Standard, is the Saints had a clause inserted in their loan agreement with Atletico last year that would allow them to buy Alderweireld for £6.8 million unless the La Liga club pay Southampton £1.5 million if they (Atletico) wish to sell the player to another team.

Meanwhile, the deal looks to have been confirmed by Toby Alderweireld’s national teammate, Jan Vertonghen, as he has welcomed the Atletico Madrid marker to Tottenham. “Vertonghen has admitted he is pleased to hear of his compatriot’s impending arrival at White Hart lane”(London Evening Standard).

Alderweireld, 26, was signed from Ajax in 2013 and spent two seasons in Spain with Atletico Madrid before moving to England. He ensured Southampton conceded fewer goals than Spurs, and was a mainstay in the Saints defence with 26 appearances (Sky Sports).

The Antwerp-born defender also won the Eredivise with Ajax on three occassions (2010-13), as well as the La Liga title with Atletico Madrid in the 2013-14 season.

Southampton were also interested in Alderweireld, but Saints’ boss, Ronald Koeman reveals that Atletico Madrid are making things “difficult”.

Meanwhile, the move is expected to be completed today as the medical examinations for the 26-year old Alderweireld will be conducted soon.

There is, however, a possibility that the Saints will get their agreed compensation if the Belgian international’s move to the North London club is completed.