Just up on Saints website is that the deal to bring Toby Alderweireld has been completed.

The Belgium International will join the club on a season long loan from Athletico Madrid.

Speaking on the official club website

“I am delighted that we have been able to bring Toby to the club.

“I know him very well because he played for some years for Ajax in Holland and he then made a transfer to Atlético Madrid, where he hasn’t been playing an awful lot, which is why he was looking for somewhere else to play.

“I think our first conversation was four or five days ago and I told him about our plans, about the ambition of the club and about how we play.

“He is a strong defender, and is also very good at building up the play when we play out from the back.

“He played in the top league in Spain and against top teams in Europe, so he has a lot of confidence and experience, and he has a big future because he is still young.

“We needed competition in our squad, and with Toby here we now have a lot of possibilities and quality.”

Alderweireld said of the move: “I’m very happy to be here.

“I had a good talk with the coach. First of all, it was very important for me to play this season and the coach gave me a good solution for that.

“The trainer likes how I play and really wanted me to come here, which is what convinced me to come. I really wanted a trainer that believes in me, because that’s important.

“I think this is an upcoming club. Southampton put a lot of effort in to get me, so now I want to give something back to the club by doing my best to help the team. I want to give everything for Southampton.”

At this stage its not clear what the deal entails although there seems to be no mention of clauses to buy the player at the end of the loan period, although that may be preferable being able to get a player of Alderweireld's standard is a big coup for the club and if his stay is only one year hopefully he can help stabilise the club and perhaps take it forward.

Photo: Action Images

IanRC added 23:47 - Sep 1 One down one to go
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SanMarco added 23:58 - Sep 1 Two down none to go. Mane also now on official site...
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WestSussexSaint added 00:06 - Sep 2 Overall I think we end this window with a stronger squad although remains to be seen what our best eleven will be.
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LostBoys added 00:37 - Sep 2 Looks like an excellent signing and credit to the team for landing him.
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AugSaint added 01:34 - Sep 2 According to sky we do have an option to buy next summer. Nice bit of business.
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brady100 added 09:17 - Sep 2 Option to buy for £6.3 million. What a piece of business, no doubting the sale of Lovren was a blow however we sold for 20 and brought a top class replacement for 1/4 of that fee.
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Whatsforpud added 18:03 - Sep 2 Although the article doesn't say, I assume he is a centre back. Does he come into the side against Newcastle - if so where does Gardos fit in?
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