The developing situation with Athletico Madrid is something Saints could well do without as they try to sort out the central defensive situation.
Saints do not want the central defensive saga with Athletico Madrid to drag on and on, they need to sort out the position fast with the first game in the Europa League only three weeks away.
In simple terms it seems Saints claim that Athletico failed to buy out Saints right to purchase Toby Alderweireld whilst Madrid seem intent on selling him to Tottenham because they have put in the highest bid.
But it isn't as simple as that ! there are several complex issues.
Did Athletico fail to invoke the buy out clause, does Toby Alderweireld want to sign for Saints and what will UEFA say about it.
Athletico's position seems to be that they will sell to the highest bidder and that they are confident that they will receive a paltry fine and/or compensation payment to Saints that will mean they are still quids in on the deal, Saints position seems to be that they can get the player for £6.8 million why pay more.
That being the case surely the simple answer would be for both Athletico & Saints to sit down and agree a compromise, I don't think we would be overpaying if a middle ground was reached taking into account what we would have received from the buy out clause, if we paid £9 million for Toby that would be a more than fair price.
But Athletico do not want to go down that route, they seem to have cash in their eyes and cash only.
I would hope that UEFA would step in quickly and deal with the situation, they should first place a ban on any transfer taking place until they reach their verdict, that will not be good for all three parties involved, especially Athletico who need the money to buy elsewhere and could lead them to back down.
One thing though, Tottenham Hotspur do not seem to be to blame in this situation, all they are doing is trying to buy a player that they want, in that respect as much as it pains me to say, I cannot place any blame to them.