Matt Targett urges Toby Alderweireld stay

Southampton defender Matt Targett has urged manager Ronald Koeman to tie up a permanent deal for Toby Alderweireld.

Alderweireld joined the Saints on a season-long loan from Atletico Madrid and has established himself in a defence that has conceded 15 Premier League goals all season.

The Belgian won praise for his performance in Sunday's 1-1 draw with league leaders Chelsea, and Targett hopes that the club can retain his services beyond next summer.

"He is a great guy and on the pitch he is amazing. He would be a great signing and I hope we can sign him," the Southampton youngster told Sky Sports News.

"He has been amazing since he came in. Week in, week out he has been consistently one of the best players for us. He was a great signing, he has done really well."

The 23-year-old, who joined Atletico in 2013, is contracted to the reigning Spanish champions until 2017.