Southampton manager Ronald Koeman claims Atletico Madrid were too slow to cancel a clause in Toby Alderweireld's contract that allows the Saints to sign him on a permanent deal.
The Saints had an option to sign Alderweireld for €9.5 million after his loan spell at St Mary's last season.
Atletico could have bought out the clause for €2m but Southampton believe the Spanish side did not take up the option within the specified time period.
Southampton are now threatening legal action against Atletico Madrid, who are understood to have agreed a deal worth around €16m for Alderweireld to join Tottenham.
"What came out in the press [was true]. Southampton signed an option to the player and Atletico Madrid are trying to pay back the option," Koeman told reporters on Monday.
"To our knowledge, it was too late and I don't know what happened with Tottenham.
"Les Reed [Southampton's director of football] is working on that situation, I'm waiting on more news on the situation of Toby."
Alderweireld is believed to favour a transfer to Spurs amid reports that he will undergo a medical on Monday, but Koeman remains keen to sign the Belgian and says the 26-year-old told him earlier in the summer that he wanted to join Southampton permanently.
"Of course [I want him back]," Koeman added. "And the player told us the same. [He said it] before the summer.
"I had a message on my mobile with Toby, but that's private. I mentioned we had a talk to Toby before the end of last season and he was very happy about Southampton. We mentioned to the player that we'd like to continue and that was the case with Atletico - but what happened after, I don't know.
"I don't know [if we'll match Tottenham's offer]. I think it's more up to the club and Les Reed, they are working on that business."
Source: goal
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