Transfer Centre

Toby Alderweireld: 'I want to stay at Southampton'

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 13 March 2015

Tony Alderweireld admits to being confused over his Southampton future, insisting that what happens beyond the summer 'is not up to him'.

On-loan Southampton defender Toby Alderweireld has revealed that he is loving life at the club and is keen to extend his stay on the South Coast.

The 26-year-old arrived at St Mary's from Atletico Madrid last September and had become a mainstay in the Saints' side, making 18 appearances in all competitions before suffering an injury setback at the turn of the year.

Ronald Koeman has the option to turn Alderweireld's loan stint into a permanent deal at the end of the season for a fee of £6.7m, although with interest in the Belgian intensifying, it is claimed that Atletico can cancel that buy-out clause by paying Southampton £1.5m.

Speaking to BBC Sport, the seemingly in-demand defender said: "If I could choose then of course I would like to stay here. It's not up to me. Atletico could decide that they want me back. I have two years left there so it is difficult for me to answer the question.

"I'm enjoying the Premier League, I'm enjoying playing for Southampton - I love the club and I love the fans. I am enjoying it here and my mind and focus is on Southampton."

Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur have both been linked with a summer move for Alderweireld over the past seven days.