RONALD Koeman has told Toby Alderweireld that Saints are the best club for him - and has insisted they are entitled to sign the Belgium international.

Alderweireld spent last season on loan at St Mary's from Atletico Madrid, and proved to be an outstanding acquisition, but he is now reported to be close to a move to Tottenham.

However, part of the agreement that brought the defender to the south coast involved an option for Saints to buy him this summer for £6.8m.

 

Atletico were able to cancel that for a fee of £1.5m, but Saints say they missed a deadline to do so, and therefore believe they are entitled to complete a permanent deal.

Koeman revealed he was told by Alderweireld at the end of last season that he wanted to stay, and he believes that remains his best option.

"Still I believe Southampton is the best place for the player," he said.

"Why? Ask the player why he told me that he was very comfortable, very happy.

"He was missing playing football when he was a player of Atletico Madrid. At Southampton, normally he starts every game and he did well, his family was happy.

"Ok, but that’s all football business. Ok, let’s wait what exactly happens in the next few days."

Koeman insisted he had no knowledge of how serious Tottenham's interest is in Alderweireld, but believes it is Saints who are entitled to buy him.

"We had a contract and what came out in the press is true that Atletico Madrid was too late in paying back the option," he said.

Koeman, who said executive director of football Les Reed is continuing to work on the situation, said he is extremely keen to see Alderweireld back.

“Of course," he said. "And the player told us the same."

Koeman admitted that was before the summer and that outlooks can change, but he has communicated with Alderweireld since.

“I had a message by mobile with Toby, but that’s private," he said.

Koeman added: “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."