Reports: Southampton, Tottenham in talks with Atletico Madrid over move for Toby Alderweireld

Southampton and Tottenham engaged in a season-long battle for a Champions League place last season, with both ultimately coming up short.

Now the two teams look set to become embroiled in another fight, this time involving agents, dinner meetings, and cold, hard cash.

Multiple reports suggest the two clubs are both in talks with Atletico Madrid over the transfer of defender Toby Alderweireld, who spent last season on loan with the Saints.

The Guardian reports that Southampton, for whom the versatile Belgian made 26 Premier League starts in 2014-15, has already entered negotiations with the Spanish club.

Speaking earlier in the week, Southampton boss Ronald Koeman expressed his desire to see the 26-year-old remain at the St. Mary's Stadium.

"The player likes to stay, 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 for Southampton."

Tottenham, of course, is hoping for a different outcome.

Having already signed right-back Kieran Trippier earlier this summer, Spurs are now looking to solidify the heart of their defense, which relied all too often on inherently unreliable players last season - Younes Kaboul, Vlad Chiriches, and Federico Fazio, namely.