Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy has reportedly informed Real Madrid that they will need to cough up 'well over £100million' if they wish to secure the services of Cristian Romero in the summer. The hard-bargaining Spurs chief is eager to retain the club's top talent at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the upcoming season.
A number of clubs are believed to be monitoring Romero as the summer transfer window approaches. Despite missing a significant portion of the Premier League season due to a hamstring injury, the defender is now back in action.
He is expected to play a key role in Spurs ' final nine league matches and the rest of their Europa League journey, with Eintracht Frankfurt up next in the quarter-finals. Real Madrid are looking to bolster their defence in the summer and are anticipated to snap up right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold on a free transfer from Liverpool. Other Premier League stars could also be heading to the Bernabeu.
However, when Los Blancos expressed interest in 26-year-old Romero, the Independent reports that Levy demanded more than £100million. It's suggested that the Spanish heavyweights were 'dissuaded' from pursuing a deal due to the hefty price tag, reports the Express.
Romero could still attract further interest, with Atletico Madrid keen to seal a deal. The rivals of Real are hoping to finalise a £75million transfer for the 2022 World Cup winner.
With only two years left on his contract come summer, Tottenham Hotspur may face a difficult decision regarding Romero's future. Despite no reports of a new deal being offered to the Argentine, it's clear that Spurs could be in for a busy summer following a less than stellar season under Ange Postecoglou.
The Australian manager has struggled to build on last year's impressive debut season due to an unfortunate injury crisis and key players losing form. The need for a new striker is evident as Spurs continue to feel the absence of Harry Kane's goals since his move to Bayern Munich in 2023.
Lille's Jonathan David, who will be available on a free transfer this summer, is rumoured to be on Spurs' radar. Additionally, Tottenham are believed to be interested in Southampton's Tyler Dibling, with clubs likely to capitalise on the Saints' impending relegation to the Championship, given their current dismal nine-point tally.