Toby Alderweireld would like to stay at Saints for next season but admits its not in his hands.

There is good news and bad news for Saints fans, the good news is that the belgium defender would like to stay at the club next season, but the bad newsis that he admits that the decision may not be his.

Speaking to BBC Radio Solent ahead of the trip to Stamford bridge he said.

"If I could choose then of course I would like to stay here,"

"It's not up to me," Alderweireld added. "Atletico could decide that they want me back. I have two years left there so it is difficult for me to answer the question.

"I'm enjoying the Premier League, I'm enjoying playing for Southampton - I love the club and I love the fans.

"I am enjoying it here and my mind and focus is on Southampton."

The issue for Saints is although they have an option to buy at a fixed price in the summer, Athletico Madrid also have an option to buy out Saints from the clause at £1.5 million and with Alderweireld's stock rising, even if they dont want to keep the player themselves they almost certainly would make more money by excercising that option.

So it looks like although it is good news that Alderweireld himself would not be adverse to signing for Saints, this is only a short step in what will be a summer of negotiation for both the player, Athletico and hopefully Saints

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