Tottenham identify "interesting" Romero replacement as Levy acts "quickly"

Tottenham Hotspur face the very real possibility of losing star defender Cristian Romero this summer, amid interest from La Liga, with chairman Daniel Levy and co already identifying an “interesting” replacement for the World Cup winner.

Cristian Romero’s strong links to Atlético Madrid

Romero is almost certainly a target for Atlético Madrid and Diego Simeone this summer, going by the plethora of reports linking Spurs’ defender with a switch to the Wanda Metropolitano.

Related

Tottenham plan “surprise” move for Chelsea star as Maresca sanctions exit

The Lilywhites are big fans.

Broadcast giant Sky Sports have backed Atletico’s serious interest in Romero, while some reports even claim that Simeone has personally reached out to the 26-year-old in an effort to present him with the Spanish side’s project.

Tottenham were hoping to agree a new contract with Romero, but it is now believed that the South American is “pushing” to leave N17 amid interest from Atlético, prompting Levy to postpone all new contract talks (Graeme Bailey).

While the former Atalanta star is apparently keen to embark on a new chapter away from the north London side, Spurs won’t be selling him to Atlético or any other interested party on the cheap.

It is believed by some that Tottenham want around £60 million to sell Romero, so Atlético would need to fork out a hefty sum as Levy eyes a profit off his exit. Simeone may also face competition from his cross-town rivals, as it has also been reported that Real Madrid are considering Romero as an option to reinforce their own backline.

The centre-back was a sore miss for Ange Postecoglou before he finally came back from injury, and he’d be a sore miss next season unless Levy can find an adept replacement.

Tottenham identify “interesting” target to replace Cristian Romero

According to reports in Spain, Spurs could actually raid Atalanta again for Romero’s heir. Indeed, it is believed Tottenham have identified Isak Hien as a potentially “interesting” option, and the club are acting “quickly” to draw up their ideal transfer targets for the centre-back position ahead of next season.

Hien, who’s started 22 Serie A matches under Gian Piero Gasperini this season, has averaged an impressive 90% passing accuracy out of the back and Atalanta’s joint-highest number of blocks on average (WhoScored).

The Sweden international would also cost around £26 million for any club interested in his signing this summer, just over a year and a half after Atalanta signed him from Hellas Verona for just £8 million.

Hien’s value has more than tripled in just a season, highlighting how much he’s impressed, and perhaps why Tottenham are thinking of him to fill the potential Romero void.