Southampton director of sport Les Reed has confirmed that the club will not be taking legal action against Atletico Madrid following Toby Alderweireld's move to Tottenham Hotspur.
The Belgium international spent last season on loan at the Saints and won plaudits for his performances on the field in his debut campaign in the Premier League.
Ronald Koeman's men were interested in making their deal for the 26-year-old permanent, but Tottenham beat them to his signature as Alderweireld penned a five-year deal at White Hart Lane.
A report suggested that the Saints were considering legal action against Atletico as they believed they had first option on the player and the Spanish side had failed to trigger the cancellation of the clause.
However, Reed has revealed that the club have decided not to pursue legal action because of Alderweireld's desire to move to Tottenham.
Reed told Sky Sports News: "There's nothing to sue Atletico for because we could have had a deal in place, and I have to say Atletico have been exceptionally professional all the way through.
"Whilst the legal representatives from both sides were discussing the pros and cons of a legal argument, I was having very good conversations with them about the potential of making a market price offer and sealing a transfer for Toby.
"But it was the fact that Toby had decided to go to Spurs, regardless of contract salary and everything else, that meant that it was pointless trying to take any more legal action, because our argument was then not with Atletico."
Alderweireld thanked Southampton for rebuilding his career following his move to Spurs.
Simon Sinclair
