Tottenham Hotspur are said to have identified a potential replacement for Cristian Romero in a marquee centre-back, as they begin working on potential successors for the Argentine in the event he departs this summer.
Cristian Romero linked with high-profile move to Real Madrid
Carlo Ancelotti and Real Madrid are widely reported to be in the market for another defender this summer, so much so that they've allegedly earmarked Romero as a top centre-back target as they look to the Premier League for options.
The Galacticos have been left short of defensive options on more than one occasion due to injuries this campaign, prompting the La Liga giants to consider bolstering their backline ahead of 2025/2026.
Romero is on Real's shortlist of potential centre-back signings, alongside Arsenal star William Saliba, but chairman Daniel Levy won't be letting him go on the cheap.
Indeed, it is believed by some media sources that Spurs have slapped a mammoth £150 million price tag on Romero, while other reports suggest Tottenham are ready to make the World Cup winner their highest-paid player to fend off Madrid's interest.
The former Atalanta star has been a very sore miss for under-fire boss Ange Postecoglou, who's suffered without both Romero and Micky van de Ven to reinforce their high line, and his injury is taking more time to heal than previously expected.
"Romero is a bit of a tricky one. We are not really sure yet. There is still some work he needs to do," said Postecoglou on Romero recently.
"It’s just a slower healer with him, and it is one we are looking at on a week-to-week basis. Again, he has been out for quite a while. As with all the other long-term ones, we are just taking our time."
Tottenham eye Antonio Silva as potential Cristian Romero replacement
While Spurs are not eager to sell the 26-year-old any time soon, they're making contingency plans in the event they're forced to do a deal with Real or any other interested club.
According to journalist Graeme Bailey, writing for The Boot Room, Tottenham are working on replacements for Romero, and have identified marquee Benfica defender Antonio Silva as a target.
The Portugal international's contract includes an £83 million release clause, but there is always the possibility that the Lilywhites can negotiate a fee far lower than this valuation.
Silva, still just 21-years-old and an impressive performer in the Primeira Liga, could be worth the effort - especially going by Jan Vertonghen's verdict on the player.