Southampton appear to have moved back into the driving seat in the race to sign Atletico Madrid centre-back Toby Alderweireld.
Tottenham had been confident of completing a deal for the Belgium international after reportedly agreeing a fee for the defender’s services with Atletico.
However, reports on Sunday evening suggest Saints are on the cusp of confirming the permanent signing of the 26-year-old due to an administrative error by the Spanish side.
Atletico had the option to cancel a buy-out clause inserted into Alderweireld’s contract when he moved to Saints on loan last summer, which they could have triggered for £1.5m, but failed to do so in time.
Indeed, the south coast club now believe they are entitled to sign the Belgian for a cut-price £6.8m, as per the original agreement between the two teams.
Saints could even take legal action should Alderweireld move elsewhere during the transfer window.
