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Tottenham have received a boost to their hopes of pipping Southampton to Toby Alderweireld.

Atletico are understood to have cancelled the agreement they had to sell Alderweireld to Southampton for a set fee.

The Spaniards are now preparing to do business with whichever club stumps up the most money.

And Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is determined to come out on top and outbid Southampton to land the versatile defender.

Southampton struck a deal with Atletico to buy Alderweireld, 26, for around £6.8m when they took him on loan last summer.

Atletico also had an option on their side to cancel that agreement by paying Southampton £1.5m if they wanted to sell him for more.

(Image: Getty Images)

The Spaniards have now taken that up, setting up the scrap for the Belgian’s services between Southampton and Spurs.

Both sides have held talks with Atletico, who have lined up Anderlecht’s Chancel Mbemba as Alderweireld’s replacement.

Now they have an auction, Atleico hope Alderweireld’s final price will be driven up to at least £11m.

Alderweireld is understood to be open to a move to either club.

He enjoyed a successful year on loan at St Mary’s but is also tempted by the prospect of teaming up with his Belgium teammates including Jan Vertonghen at White Hart Lane.