Chelsea are reportedly keen on signing Atletico Madrid defender Toby Alderweireld.

The 26-year-old was loaned out to Southampton last season and is expected to stay in the Premier League on a permanent basis. Southampton are interested on retaining his services for the long term, but the Saints face stern competition from English Champions Chelsea, who are now the favourites to land the Belgian international.

When asked about his future, Alderweireld had this to say:

“The only thing I can say is that I’m happy in England, but it isn’t just up to me.”

“I had a fantastic season at Southampton and after I have been on holiday I will talk with Atletico.”

“I don’t have an answer now, but hopefully Atletico will tell me quickly what is happening. It would be good to come back to England.”

The former Ajax defender, who has represented Belgium at every level internationally, is a versatile defender who can play as a right back as well as his preferred centre back role. He would be suited to Chelsea given their ageing back line of Terry and Cahill, but equally he is experienced as well – having made almost 50 appearances for Belgium and over 150 for the clubs he has represented.

Nacer Chadli, a fellow Belgium international, said he hopes his side Spurs can sign Alderweireld.

“Toby is a very good player. He did very well with Southampton. He still has a contract with Atletico. I do not know if they [Spurs] attract him but hopefully they can make it.”

It is not known what fee may tempt Atletico to part ways with their player, who is surely going to be given a starting role next season if he stays in Spain. However, if the player does want to come to England, surely the calls from Chelsea would be too hard to resist.