Huddlefro has it exactly correct - I suspect Alderweireld would be happy to move to either club. Two players is hardly half the team now is it? Plus we've already signed a Portuguese international to replace Clyne, and a Spanish international striker. So it's hardly a meltdown/exodus.
Surely for any contract between Athletico and Saints to bind it must have had the agreement and signature of the player. Atletico can not contract to sell a player for a given sum to anyone without this agreement. So, for any legal action by Saints to succeed will depend on whether all parties were signatories to the contract, not just the two clubs. If the player was not in agreement to the buy out clause, then AM and Saints have an invalid contract.
The fact remains that you're a selling club. He's obviously aware of that and, I imagine, would be a big factor in his thinking. My suspicion, and all indications we've seen, are that he has chosen to join Spurs. There's a European championship coming and I'm sure that the fact he would be playing regularly with Vertonghen, not to mention Chadli & Dembele, would also figure strongly in his thinking. It could only help his and Belgium's chances.
Plus, they would have to sue Atletico here in Spain. The spanish legal system moves at the speed of a tortoise with four broken legs at the best of times. If you're a foreigner suing a Spanisn entity, it will most likely move even slower. Alderweireld would probably be long retired before any judgement was given
Joining Spurs would do far better for the player than his joining Saints. I know the Saints fans won't be happy with mty stating that, but it's a fact.
I'm not sure that "all indications" have shown that at all. The opposite in fact. Anyhow, it's all supposition at the moment. Every club is a selling club unless you're Barca or Real. Your point about the Belgians may have some weight though. Let's wait and see.
Here's what is actually happening. Ultimately Alderweireld will be where he chooses to be out of the three options. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/fo...drid-if-Tottenham-sign-Toby-Alderweireld.html
Ultimately, it will probably be decided by the player's wishes. The threats to sue are meaningless and will only serve to irritate Atletico. If it came to that, good luck trying to sue them in Madrid. You'll die of old age before anything happens.
The "news" on TalkSport is that Saints will get their man because they've threatened to sue, but there is absolutely no consideration being given to what the player wants. That channel is such a joke!
Apparently there are a few saints fans tweeting with the hashtags of FreeKane and FreeLloris. All seems to be getting a bit out of hand this
I wish the Saints fans would be more like the Mousers over this, and just accept that if Spurs come in for a player, generally we're going to get him. There's no point is getting arsey about it.
HIAG It appears that some of these Saints' fans are completely unaware that you are in fact Daniel Levy and, as such, you are always right.
I wouldn't make the assumption over club status and finances. You're not exactly a 'big club' when compared to Southampton.
Kristof Terreur on Twitter claiming that Toby is booked in for a medical with us today. So this afternoon expect to hear something about Southampton being back in the drivers seat
Careful, Saints fans, stamping your feet because you're not getting your way isn't a good look - as Angela Merkel has been demonstrating since last night. Funnily enough, this is also doing the rounds: https://twitter.com/hashtag/freeschneiderlin
