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Ronald Koeman is ready to revive his interest in Ron Vlaar after Southampton were beaten by Tottenham in their pursuit of Toby Alderweireld.

Dutchman Koeman tried to sign Vlaar from Aston Villa last summer before snapping up Alderweireld on loan from Atletico Madrid.

Koeman had been confident of landing Alderweireld full-time but the Belgian international has signed a five-year deal at Spurs despite Saints threatening to sue Atletico.

Holland international Vlaar is available on a free after snubbing a new contract at Villa and claiming he can 'go a step higher.'

Ex-Villa skipper Vlaar, 30, played under Koeman at Feyenoord and the Southampton boss has previously described him as a 'real leader.'

(Image: Getty)

Speaking earlier this week, Koeman said: "If Toby goes of course we have other targets. We know what we have to do, but first of all I prefer Toby."

Saints remained tight lipped on Wednesday whether they would pursue their legal threat against Atletico if they sold Alderweireld to another club.

The south coast side claim Atletico should have honoured their agreement to sell Alderweireld to Saints for a cut-price £6.8m after missing a deadline to pay their way out of a buyout clause.

Saints believe they are entitled to up to £2m compensation and are considering taking the matter to FIFA.

(Image: Spursofficial)

Meanwhile Koeman's main target to replace Manchester United-bound Morgan Schneiderlin, Jordy Clasie has paved the way for a move to St Mary's.

The Feyenoord ace said: "I'm open to a next step in my career, I've already told Feyenoord."

France World Cup star Schneiderlin has travelled with Saints for their pre-season tour of Austria but will complete a move to Old Trafford as soon as the clubs agree a fee.