Toby Aldeweireld a target for Chelsea following Southampton loan spell

Chelsea, 7/5 to retain the Premier League with Coral, are understood to be tracking Atletico Madrid’s Belgian centre back Toby Alderweireld, after the player’s season-long loan spell with Southampton came to an end.

It is thought that the Blues, who brought in Diego Costa and Filipe Luis, are willing to let the latter go back to Atleti in the summer, which could see Alderweireld go in the opposite direction.

“I really want to go to a club that really wants me,” the 26-year-old said.

“There are three options – stay with Atletico, stay with Southampton or go to another club. So we will see what happens.

“Southampton gave me that opportunity and it paid off, I think. I’ve had a fantastic year, I can’t lie about that, so, yes, I’d like to stay in the Premier League.”

The Saints have the option to sign Alderweireld for £7m, who would be guaranteed first team football at St Mary’s, with the club also qualifying for the Europa League, due to Arsenal winning the FA Cup.

If he were to choose Chelsea, it is likely that he would compete for a place with John Terry, Gary Cahill, Kurt Zouma, however, chances of playing regularly are more likely than might have first appeared.

In his favour, there is the fact that, clearly, he is a quality player, though, he would also have compatriot Thibaut Courtois behind him in goal, which could develop in to a fantastic working relationship. He would also link up with fellow countryman Eden Hazard, so he wouldn’t be short of friends on Kings Road.

Alderweireld has previously been linked to a number of top outfits in the past, including Manchester City and Tottenham, where he would join compatriots Vincent Kompany and Jan Vertonghen in the centre of defence respectively.