Tottenham are close to signing the Atlético Madrid defender Toby Alderweireld for a fee believed to be £11.5 million (about €16 million).

According to reports yesterday, the clubs have agreed the fee after talks between Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy and Atlético chief executive Miguel Ángel Gil at the weekend.

The deal is yet to be completed but Tottenham seem likely to beat Southampton, where Alderweireld had a successful year on loan last season, to the Belgium international's signature. Southampton manager Ronald Koeman said last week he had "a good hope" Alderweireld would stay at St Mary's but that prospect seems to be receding after Tottenham moved to accelerate negotiations.

Alderweireld would be Tottenham's third defensive signing of the summer, joining the Austrian centre-back Kevin Wimmer from the Bundesliga side Cologne and the right-back Kieran Trippier from Burnley.

The Manchester United striker Robin Van Persie is edging closer to a move to Fenerbahce after reaching an agreement in principle with the Super Lig side.

It is understood Van Persie’s agent was in Istanbul at the weekend, involved in negotiations with the Turkish club to secure a deal. The two clubs are negotiating a fee for the 31-year-old, who has agreed personal terms with the club and is ready to sign a four-year deal. Guardian Service