Tottenham Hotspur reportedly remain confident of signing defender Toby Alderweireld, despite interest from Southampton.

Alderweireld, who is valued at £14 million by Atletico Madrid, spent the 2014/15 season on loan at Southampton after being unable to make a significant impact with Atleti.

The defender made 26 appearances and scored one goal for the Saints and manager Ronald Koeman told reporters on Monday he was hopeful of signing the 26-year-old permanently.

“The player likes to stay,” explained Koeman. “We like to keep the player but it’s a little difficult at the moment with Atletico Madrid, I have a good hope he will stay at Southampton.”

But Alderweireld, who is close to Tottenham’s Jan Vertonghen, would prefer a move to White Hart Lane according to the London Evening Standard. 

The pair played together in defence for Ajax, as well as in the Belgian national team, and Alderweireld stated in March he would like to be re-united with the Spurs defender.