Southampton refuse to give up on signing Atletico Madrid defender Toby Alderweireld.

The Daily Echo says Saints remain optimistic of beating Tottenham to the signing of Alderweireld - with the player's future likely to become clear next week.

The club remain in discussions with Atletico Madrid over a permanent move for the Belgium international, who enjoyed a spectacular loan spell at St Mary's last season, but they face significant competition from Spurs.

Atletico, who are now understood to be willing to sell, are due back for pre-season training on Wednesday and there is an expectation that a decision could be made by the end of next week, if not by the time they actually return.