Chelsea targeting £7m Belgian defender

Chelsea are targeting defender Toby Alderweireld in a reported £7m as Filipe Luis’s time at the club looks set to end.

Luis is keen to return to Spanish football with Atletico Madrid after failing to make his mark on English football, settling for a place on the bench at Stamford Bridge.

His proposed summer exit will leave Blues boss Jose Mourinho short on defensive options, but it is understood that the Portuguese coach has looked into the possibility of signing Saints defender Alderweireld.

The 26-year-old defender has enjoyed a solid first season in the Premier League on loan at Southampton from Atletico Madrid.

As a result, Ronald Koeman’s side do have an option to make the loan permanent for £6.8m, while the Spanish club can buy out the rest of the loan for £1.5m to sell their man to the highest bidder.

Alderweireld is aware of the interest in him, and has made it clear that he hopes to remain in the Premier League, stating, “Atletico will decide my future, but I would like to stay in the Premier League. That some of the big clubs show interest proves I’m doing well.