Rumour Round-up: Saints in talks to sign Toby Alderweireld permanently

According to reports in the Daily Telegraph, Southampton boss Ronald Koeman is in talks with Atletico Madrid to try and sign Toby Alderweireld on a permanent deal at the Hampshire club.

The Belgian international has impressed in his debut season in the Premier League and is rumoured to have attracted interest from the likes of Tottenham and Liverpool.

The rumour among Southampton fans was that Alderweireld had been signed on a loan deal with a transfer clause which could see Saints sign him permanently for a transfer in the region of £6.5million. If Atletico were to reject that bid to seek a larger transfer fee, they would have to pay Southampton £1.5million for the privilege.

There is nothing to suggest this is the case. But, if it were to be true, it would see Southampton pay the £10million fee as purported by the Telegraph - with essentially a £1.5million discount.

Alderweireld has said he was happy to stay at Southampton beyond this season, though it all depends on his parent club back in Spain.

Southampton fans have long called for the club to act quickly and sign the defender permanently before drawing too much attention to Alderweireld's qualities.

If these reports prove to be true, it would make a lot of Saints fans very, very happy.

Rumour rating: 7/10 - Reluctant to commit to this rumour, but it does fill me with optimism.