Southampton have had something of a summer to forget, with a number of key players having left the club for pastures new. Fans and pundits alike feared that their team, which had performed so well last season, would be decimated by the departures.
However, under new manager Ronald Koeman, The Saints have actually done some decent business and brought players to the club who can still help to make them a competitive side in the league this season. This looks set to continue with The Daily Echo reporting that Southampton are moving closer to signing both Toby Alderweireld and Andros Townsend.
Townsend was an important member of the Tottenham squad in the first half of the last season. He put in a number of fine performances and earned several call-ups to the England national side, leading to a new four-year contract being offered by the club. After suffering a serious ankle injury though, the winger’s form has not yet returned previous levels. The Tottenham manager has said that the player is in his plans however.
It also looks like the 23-year-old is not in the plans of manager Mauricio Pochettino putting his future at the club in doubt. Well aware that he may only have limited playing opportunities at Tottenham this season, Townsend may well be prepared to leave the club to ensure regular first team football.
That deal could depend on Morgan Schneiderlin, who Spurs have pursued all summer, moving in the other direction.
The other player who looks likely to move to St. Mary’s is 25-year-old Atletico Madrid defender Toby Alderweireld. A player who is capable of playing in a number of positions at the back, Alderweireld is a high priority target for Southampton.
While a talented player, evidenced by his 37 caps for Belgium and call-up to the 2014 World Cup squad, he has only had a limited role at the Spanish club and could also be willing to move to establish a first team position.
