Toby Alderweireld has been linked with a permanent move to the Premier League after having a successful loan spell at Southampton last season. The Belgian, 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 was said to be a huge target of Chelsea’s, and would certainly be suited to the Blues given their ageing back line of Terry and Cahill. An experienced player, Alderweireld has made almost 50 appearances for Belgium and over 150 for the clubs he has represented.

However, it has now emerged that the defender has chosen a move to Spurs ahead of Chelsea. The 26-year-old is said to have told friends that he’s nearly cemented a move to White Hart Lane, according to the Sunday Times.

Earlier hen 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.”

It has been mentioned that the centre back fancies playing alongside Jan Vertonghen, his fellow countryman, and that he believes he would have more game time at Spurs than at Chelsea. But then it seems odd that he would want to cut his ties with Southampton, a club which has served him well.

Saints boss Ronald Koeman apparently attempted to make Alderweireld’s deal permanent and reportedly bid of £5.7m for the 26-year-old to convert the loan into a full transfer.

But it seems now that the player has made his choice to not return to the club where he appeared 26 times last season.

For Chelsea, it is not necessarily a big blow. They have many other defensive targets lined up and with the transfer window in the early stages there is still much movement to be done.