Spurs rope in Atletico Madrid defender Toby alderweireld

Tottenham have announced the signing of the Belgium international defender Toby Alderweireld from Atlético Madrid for a fee of £11.4m. The 26-year-old spent the last season on loan at Southampton where his performances were praised widely as he was a part of the defence which conceded just 33 Premier League goals.

"Looking forward to this but also looking back at a great Southampton season. Great club and fans," he said. "It's a big club and it's always been a dream to play at a club like Spurs," he told Tottenham's website.

"Now that dream is coming true so I'm very happy, very proud and I will give my best." He added. “I’m very happy to be here and I hope to have a wonderful time with this team. From the beginning I knew a lot about it [the club] from Jan Vertonghen, Mousa Dembélé and Nacer Chadli.”

The player has now signed a contract with Tottenham until 2020. Alderweireld started his career at Ajax and won three Dutch Eredivisie titles in nine seasons at the club.

He moved to Atletico Madrid in September 2013 and helped them to the Spanish league title and final of the Champions League. He moved to Premier League side Southampton the following season.

Saints' manager Ronald Koeman had spoken of his desire to keep the player at St Mary's. Southampton can take legal action as they were allowed the option to buy the centre-back for £6.8m unless Atletico paid £1.5m to buy back that clause.

Alderweireld would be Tottenham’s third defensive signing of the summer. They have already confirmed ths signature centre-back Kevin Wimmer and right-back Kieran Trippier. He has capped 47 times for Belgium and joins Belgian team-mates Nacer Chadli, Mousa Dembele and Jan Vertonghen at White Hart Lane.