Southampton are in the bidding to replace defender Toby Alderweireld with Aston Villa centre-back Ron Vlaar.

Saints boss Ronald Koeman had previously tried to sign Vlaar after his impressive showing at the World Cup with Holland, but had been rebuffed and turned his attention to Alderweireld who impressed for the south coast club while on loan last season.

Alderweireld's move to Tottenham, which was confirmed on Wednesday, has sparked Koeman to renew his interest in Vlaar after the Dutchman refused to sign a new contract at Villa Park.

It now looks likely that Vlaar will reunite with Koeman who he worked with previously at Feyenoord.

Speaking prior to Alderweireld's exit, Koeman told The Mirror: "If Toby goes, of course we have other targets. We know what we have to do, but first of all I prefer Toby."