Manchester City Transfer News: Toby Alderweireld Move Plotted for the Summer

Manchester City are reportedly "keen" to sign Toby Alderweireld from Atletico Madrid in the summer.

Currently on loan at Premier League surprise package Southampton, the Belgian defender formed a dominant central partnership with Jose Fonte before succumbing to injury during January's win over Manchester United.

Ian Ladyman of the MailOnline believes City "have identified" the 25-year-old as a key prospect to improve their defensive efforts, although both Atletico and Saints could have a huge say in his future: 

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Southampton have a £6.8 million option on Alderweireld but it's understood Atletico may well use a clause in the deal that stipulates they can essentially pay £1.5 million to cancel that and then sell the player to the highest bidder.

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Alderweireld struggled to make an impact upon his switch to Atletico last season, starting just 10 matches in La Liga, per WhoScored.com.

Ronald Koeman's inspired decision to take him to St. Mary's has seen the player regain his confidence and form. Indeed, Alderweireld has played a major role in Southampton's current standing as the Premier League's best defence, conceding just 17 goals in 25 matches. Belgian journalist Kristof Terreur suggested he deserved to be linked with a big move:

Even division leaders Chelsea—the next best defensive team having let in 21—can't match up to Southampton's record.

City currently possess the fourth best defensive record on 25, slipping below a United side whose back-line problems have been well documented this season. Manuel Pellegrini attempted to provide Vincent Kompany with a prosperous new partner in Eliaquim Mangala during the summer, a £32 million investment who is yet to pay off.

Mangala often lets his ambition stop him from playing responsibly. He looks to deal with danger as quickly as possible—by no means a bad attitude—but this sees him rush into avoidable mistakes. He is also keen to step out of defence, inviting extra pressure on Kompany by opening a pocket of space next to his Belgian colleague's position.

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Kompany is currently enduring one of his poorer spells in a City shirt, while Martin Demichelis' lack of pace ensures he is unlikely to start matches which require a turn of speed. With Matija Nastasic now on loan at Schalke, Pellegrini's options aren't particularly stacked.

Even so, Kompany believes his side can close the seven-point gap on Chelsea and get themselves back in the title race, as reported by David McDonnell of the Mirror: "Belief never goes," said Kompany. "Past experiences should give us enough confidence to carry on and go for it."

Alderweireld would add proven Premier League quality, most likely at an affordable price. He has vast experience of playing alongside Kompany for the Belgian national team, meaning his transition would likely be a smooth one.

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Atletico may be tempted to utilise Alderweireld now he's shown his true potential away from Ajax. Diego Simeone would certainly be wise to command a higher fee for the player who could offer City greater strength in depth. Mangala should still be expected to develop into a world-class leader for the champions, but Alderweireld is the type of player who can easily step in if he continues to falter.