In demand: Southampton’s Alderweireld flourished in his first year in the Premier League (Martin Bureau/AFP)

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR have emerged as favourites to sign Toby Alderweireld, the Belgium defender who spent last season on loan at Southampton. Alderweireld, who was lent out by Atletico Madrid, has been impressed with Tottenham during conversations about a summer transfer, telling friends that he is close to joining the club.

The 26-year-old has been told he will be a first choice in Tottenham’s back four if he chooses them over other Premier League suitors. Alderweireld believes that playing alongside international teammate Jan Vertonghen at White Hart Lane would cement his place in Belgium’s team for next summer’s European Championships.

Southampton, for whom Alderweireld operated as centre- back, right-back and holding midfielder last season, have exercised an option to convert his loan deal into a £5.7m