The Mirror

Aston Villa are reportedly poised to sign Giovani Lo Celso in a deal that will see Tottenham land Jacob Ramsey in return.

Lo Celso has struggled for game time at Spurs and the club are ready to use him as a makeweight in a deal to sign Ramsey. According to reports in Argentina, Tottenham will pay £20million plus Lo Celso in order to secure Ramsey, a highly-regarded 23-year-old midfielder.

Villa have been busy in the summer transfer window, signing Ian Maatsen, Samuel Iling-Junior, Jaden Philogene, Enzo Barrenechea, Lewis Dobbin, Ross Barkley and Cameron Archer. While they have sold Douglas Luiz to Juventus and Tim Iroegbunam to Everton, they still need to balance the books with more sales.

As well as sanctioning the departure of Ramsey, Unai Emery is allowing Moussa Diaby to Al-Ittihad for a club-record sale of £60m. The arrival of Lo Celso at Villa Park will be welcomed gladly by goalkeeper Emi Martinez, who plays with the midfielder at international level for Argentina.

Lo Celso joined Spurs in 2019 but has never settled in the following five years and was loaned out to Villarreal in both 2021/22 and 2022/23. He has made just 108 appearances for Spurs in all competitions, 24 of which came last season.

Emery knows Lo Celso well from his time at Villarreal and clearly believes he can contribute for Villa. Despite struggling at club level, Lo Celso remains highly-rated in his home country and made five appearances in their recent Copa America success, contributing the assist in the 1-0 win over Colombia in the final.

Asked about Lo Celso’s situation in April, Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou said: "Look, he's a fantastic player, but with all these things you've got to keep the perspective that we're at a big club, we're going to have a big squad and if it is not Gio, it will be someone else that will play that role next year.

“No one will play every game. It doesn't happen. It doesn't happen at all the big clubs, so I am never really worried about the game time players are playing. If they want more game time, there are other clubs where they can do that and I'm looking at contributions. With someone like Gio, like I said he has contributed to us this year and that's been the most important thing for me."

Lo Celso has one year left on his Spurs contract and has been linked with Real Betis as well as Villa. His high standing in Argentina is shown by the fact that Lionel Messi recommended him to Barcelona as a replacement when he left for Paris Saint-Germain in 2020.

Just one month separates Tottenham from their Premier League opener with Leicester City, and all eyes are on Ange Postecoglou in the transfer market.

Players have started to return from both the Copa America and Euro 2024 and the dynamic of the Lilywhites' squad will start to take shape over the coming weeks.

In just his second year in charge, Spurs' Australian boss enters the 2024/25 season with real expectations. Key players must be retained, and money is assumed to be spent – he has to get pre-season right.

With another summer almost behind them, young, raw, and exciting talent recruited, and the prospect of more big names incoming, this season could finally be that season for Tottenham. Here Mirror Football looks at what this pivotal month could hold for Postecoglou's men in a dream scenario.

Pre-season fixtures

July 20:QPR vs Tottenham - Loftus Road, kick-off (15:00)

July 27: Tottenham vs Vissel Kobe - National Stadium, Tokyo (11:00)

July 31: Team K League vs Tottenham - Seoul World Cup Stadium (12:00)

August 3:Bayern Munich vs Tottenham - Seoul World Cup Stadium (12:00)

August 10: Tottenham vs Bayern Munich - Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (17:30)

Transfers

The bank has already been broken this summer after Spurs secured the services of Leeds midfield starlet Archie Gray for an initial £35million. Combine that with the arrival of promising young Swede Lucas Bergvall, and fans have reason to be excited.

Both made debuts in a 5-1 friendly win against Hearts last Wednesday, earning plaudits for their composed play. With Thursday nights in the Europa League perhaps the time to give these two minutes, as well as England U17 star Mikey Moore, Postecoglou may offer supporters a glimpse into a bright future.

The arrival of Gray and Bergvall may not be the only signings Spurs make this summer. Now that Euro 2024 is over, Ivan Toney's future is on the Premier League agenda.

Having initially valued their out-of-contract talisman at £80million, Brentford are now reportedly lowering their asking price due to a lack of interested suitors.

Manchester United have already spent £36.5million on Dutch ace Joshua Zirkzee. Arsenal have other deals to focus on, such as the stuttering move for Italian centre-back Ricardo Calafiori, and Chelsea may look to recruit a younger marksman.

Tottenham still haven't filled Harry Kane's boots and perhaps never will, but recruiting his compatriot Toney would provide them with the out-and-out number nine they need. Any deal may rest on the sale of Richarlison, who has attracted interest from the Saudi Pro League, but we could see an England star leading the Lilywhite's line once again next season.

Another Englishman who has been endlessly linked with a north London switch is Chelsea's Gallagher. The 24-year-old midfielder is out of contract next summer, and with the Blues under pressure from the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules, the potential £50million fee that Gallagher could command may hand them a significant financial boost.

If Tottenham can secure the services of both Toney and Gallagher, they will recruit a proven league goal-scorer and box-to-box bloodhound. Postecoglou's side would be significantly bolstered should they add the two to their squad.

Outgoings

Richarlison has been the big Tottenham name linked with a move away. Multiple Saudi Pro League clubs are reported to be scrambling for his signature.

The Brazilian's 11 league goals saw him take the second spot on Spurs' list of top scorers behind Heung-Min Son and losing him would not be ideal. However, there are no concrete negotiations ongoing, and even if it were apparent that the striker was leaving, Toney may be sitting there as a perfect replacement.

Other outgoings could see the club offload some deadwood, as they already did with Ryan Sessegnon, Japhet Tanganga, Ivan Perisic, and Tanguy Ndombele. Joe Rodon also joined Leeds as part of the Gray deal.

Pierre Emile-Hojbjerg has been linked with a move to Fulham and Borussia Dortmund. Brazilian defender Emerson Royal has already been the subject of an £8million bid from AC Milan, which was rejected but could also leave the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer.

If the club are able to shift a few players, this may open up a window for other arrivals or the opportunity for some of Tottenham's promising youngsters to truly shine.

Dream XI for opening day

Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Gallagher, Bissouma, Maddison; Johnson, Toney, Son.

Just one month separates Tottenham from their Premier League opener with Leicester City, and all eyes are on Ange Postecoglou in the transfer market.

Players have started to return from both the Copa America and Euro 2024 and the dynamic of the Lilywhites' squad will start to take shape over the coming weeks.

In just his second year in charge, Spurs' Australian boss enters the 2024/25 season with real expectations. Key players must be retained, and money is assumed to be spent – he has to get pre-season right.

With another summer almost behind them, young, raw, and exciting talent recruited, and the prospect of more big names incoming, this season could finally be that season for Tottenham. Here Mirror Football looks at what this pivotal month could hold for Postecoglou's men in a dream scenario.

Pre-season fixtures

July 20:QPR vs Tottenham - Loftus Road, kick-off (15:00)

July 27: Tottenham vs Vissel Kobe - National Stadium, Tokyo (11:00)

July 31: Team K League vs Tottenham - Seoul World Cup Stadium (12:00)

August 3:Bayern Munich vs Tottenham - Seoul World Cup Stadium (12:00)

August 10: Tottenham vs Bayern Munich - Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (17:30)

Transfers

The bank has already been broken this summer after Spurs secured the services of Leeds midfield starlet Archie Gray for an initial £35million. Combine that with the arrival of promising young Swede Lucas Bergvall, and fans have reason to be excited.

Both made debuts in a 5-1 friendly win against Hearts last Wednesday, earning plaudits for their composed play. With Thursday nights in the Europa League perhaps the time to give these two minutes, as well as England U17 star Mikey Moore, Postecoglou may offer supporters a glimpse into a bright future.

The arrival of Gray and Bergvall may not be the only signings Spurs make this summer. Now that Euro 2024 is over, Ivan Toney's future is on the Premier League agenda.

Having initially valued their out-of-contract talisman at £80million, Brentford are now reportedly lowering their asking price due to a lack of interested suitors.

Manchester United have already spent £36.5million on Dutch ace Joshua Zirkzee. Arsenal have other deals to focus on, such as the stuttering move for Italian centre-back Ricardo Calafiori, and Chelsea may look to recruit a younger marksman.

Tottenham still haven't filled Harry Kane's boots and perhaps never will, but recruiting his compatriot Toney would provide them with the out-and-out number nine they need. Any deal may rest on the sale of Richarlison, who has attracted interest from the Saudi Pro League, but we could see an England star leading the Lilywhite's line once again next season.

Another Englishman who has been endlessly linked with a north London switch is Chelsea's Gallagher. The 24-year-old midfielder is out of contract next summer, and with the Blues under pressure from the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules, the potential £50million fee that Gallagher could command may hand them a significant financial boost.

If Tottenham can secure the services of both Toney and Gallagher, they will recruit a proven league goal-scorer and box-to-box bloodhound. Postecoglou's side would be significantly bolstered should they add the two to their squad.

Outgoings

Richarlison has been the big Tottenham name linked with a move away. Multiple Saudi Pro League clubs are reported to be scrambling for his signature.

The Brazilian's 11 league goals saw him take the second spot on Spurs' list of top scorers behind Heung-Min Son and losing him would not be ideal. However, there are no concrete negotiations ongoing, and even if it were apparent that the striker was leaving, Toney may be sitting there as a perfect replacement.

Other outgoings could see the club offload some deadwood, as they already did with Ryan Sessegnon, Japhet Tanganga, Ivan Perisic, and Tanguy Ndombele. Joe Rodon also joined Leeds as part of the Gray deal.

Pierre Emile-Hojbjerg has been linked with a move to Fulham and Borussia Dortmund. Brazilian defender Emerson Royal has already been the subject of an £8million bid from AC Milan, which was rejected but could also leave the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer.

If the club are able to shift a few players, this may open up a window for other arrivals or the opportunity for some of Tottenham's promising youngsters to truly shine.

Dream XI for opening day

Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Gallagher, Bissouma, Maddison; Johnson, Toney, Son.

Just one month separates Tottenham from their Premier League opener with Leicester City, and all eyes are on Ange Postecoglou in the transfer market.

Players have started to return from both the Copa America and Euro 2024 and the dynamic of the Lilywhites' squad will start to take shape over the coming weeks.

In just his second year in charge, Spurs' Australian boss enters the 2024/25 season with real expectations. Key players must be retained, and money is assumed to be spent – he has to get pre-season right.

With another summer almost behind them, young, raw, and exciting talent recruited, and the prospect of more big names incoming, this season could finally be that season for Tottenham. Here Mirror Football looks at what this pivotal month could hold for Postecoglou's men in a dream scenario.

Pre-season fixtures

July 20:QPR vs Tottenham - Loftus Road, kick-off (15:00)

July 27: Tottenham vs Vissel Kobe - National Stadium, Tokyo (11:00)

July 31: Team K League vs Tottenham - Seoul World Cup Stadium (12:00)

August 3:Bayern Munich vs Tottenham - Seoul World Cup Stadium (12:00)

August 10: Tottenham vs Bayern Munich - Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (17:30)

Transfers

The bank has already been broken this summer after Spurs secured the services of Leeds midfield starlet Archie Gray for an initial £35million. Combine that with the arrival of promising young Swede Lucas Bergvall, and fans have reason to be excited.

Both made debuts in a 5-1 friendly win against Hearts last Wednesday, earning plaudits for their composed play. With Thursday nights in the Europa League perhaps the time to give these two minutes, as well as England U17 star Mikey Moore, Postecoglou may offer supporters a glimpse into a bright future.

The arrival of Gray and Bergvall may not be the only signings Spurs make this summer. Now that Euro 2024 is over, Ivan Toney's future is on the Premier League agenda.

Having initially valued their out-of-contract talisman at £80million, Brentford are now reportedly lowering their asking price due to a lack of interested suitors.

Manchester United have already spent £36.5million on Dutch ace Joshua Zirkzee. Arsenal have other deals to focus on, such as the stuttering move for Italian centre-back Ricardo Calafiori, and Chelsea may look to recruit a younger marksman.

Tottenham still haven't filled Harry Kane's boots and perhaps never will, but recruiting his compatriot Toney would provide them with the out-and-out number nine they need. Any deal may rest on the sale of Richarlison, who has attracted interest from the Saudi Pro League, but we could see an England star leading the Lilywhite's line once again next season.

Another Englishman who has been endlessly linked with a north London switch is Chelsea's Gallagher. The 24-year-old midfielder is out of contract next summer, and with the Blues under pressure from the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules, the potential £50million fee that Gallagher could command may hand them a significant financial boost.

If Tottenham can secure the services of both Toney and Gallagher, they will recruit a proven league goal-scorer and box-to-box bloodhound. Postecoglou's side would be significantly bolstered should they add the two to their squad.

Outgoings

Richarlison has been the big Tottenham name linked with a move away. Multiple Saudi Pro League clubs are reported to be scrambling for his signature.

The Brazilian's 11 league goals saw him take the second spot on Spurs' list of top scorers behind Heung-Min Son and losing him would not be ideal. However, there are no concrete negotiations ongoing, and even if it were apparent that the striker was leaving, Toney may be sitting there as a perfect replacement.

Other outgoings could see the club offload some deadwood, as they already did with Ryan Sessegnon, Japhet Tanganga, Ivan Perisic, and Tanguy Ndombele. Joe Rodon also joined Leeds as part of the Gray deal.

Pierre Emile-Hojbjerg has been linked with a move to Fulham and Borussia Dortmund. Brazilian defender Emerson Royal has already been the subject of an £8million bid from AC Milan, which was rejected but could also leave the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer.

If the club are able to shift a few players, this may open up a window for other arrivals or the opportunity for some of Tottenham's promising youngsters to truly shine.

Dream XI for opening day

Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Gallagher, Bissouma, Maddison; Johnson, Toney, Son.

Manchester City may target Ange Postecoglou if Pep Guardiola leaves next year - and the Tottenham Hotspur boss would reportedly be interested.

Postecoglou has previously batted away rumours linking him to Liverpool and, most recently, the England job. When Jurgen Klopp announced he would be departing the Merseysiders, Postecoglou was one of the first names to be linked with a move to Anfield.

When those rumours were put to him, the Australian dismissively rejected those reports, stating he has only just got his feet under the table at Tottenham – and eventually, Arne Slot was appointed at Anfield instead. Shortly after Gareth Southgate revealed he was stepping down as England boss, Postecoglou also swatted away any claim linking him with the Three Lions.

However, with Guardiola looking increasingly likely to walk away from City at the end of the new season, Postecoglou has already been mentioned as a possible successor to the Catalan's throne. The ex-Celtic manager would find it difficult to be loyal to the north Londoners if he was offered the opportunity to take over the reins at champions City.

According to The Telegraph, Tottenham are confident Postecoglou will not be tempted by the England job. But it also claims that the only role that would tempt the 58-year-old would be City.

With Guardiola recently admitting himself that he is considering an exit, this would leave Tottenham sweating. While Spurs fell just short of finishing in the top four, Postecoglou excited their fanbase with a new brand of attacking football, despite having lost Harry Kane to Bayern Munich. Another push for Champions League qualification and silverware awaits this season, with much optimism among supporters.

And when asked about the prospect of managing England, Postecoglou this week said: “I was having a nap this afternoon. I have no idea. I’m the Tottenham manager and I’m determined to bring success to this club. That’s where my focus is totally.”

He batted off speculation linking him to Liverpool in similar fashion last February. He said: "I may be on a shortlist. I don't think I want to say anything about that because I don't think that's ever going to enter my brain space for what my priorities in life and profession right now."

He is yet to be asked about the prospect of managing City, though. And what is evident is that Guardiola is undecided as to whether he wants to remain at the Etihad Stadium beyond his contract, which expires in 2025.

After winning the Premier League, Guardiola said: “The reality is I am closer to leaving than staying. We have talked with the club – my feeling is that I want to stay now.

"I will stay next season and during the season we will talk. But eight or nine years – we will see.

“What I want for my players is to enjoy two or three days [of this title success] and then we have two days to prepare for the final. But right now I don’t know what exactly the moti­vation is to do it [next season] because it’s difficult to find it when everything is done.

"But knowing the players and myself I know that when we are there we will say why should we not win today? Why should we not work as much as possible to do what we have to do? And I know we are going to do it [work].”

Rafael van der Vaart has labelled England and Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice as 'useless' following the Three Lions' Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain.

Former West Ham star Rice endured a difficult evening in Berlin as England came up short and struggled to claim much in the way of possession against their opponents. Spain controlled the match and were able to earn victory through Mikel Oyarzabal's 86th-minute goal, after Nico Williams saw his effort cancelled out by Cole Palmer.

Ex-Tottenham ace Van der Vaart took aim at Rice's performance at the Olympiastadion and brought up his disbelief in the transfer fee he commanded. The 25-year-old signed for Arsenal 12 months ago for £105million after also drawing interest from the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea.

Van der Vaart is aghast that Rice is not more progressive with his passing however. The Dutchman was forthright in his criticism.

"€100m for Declan Rice. What does he do?," Van der Vaart exclaimed on NOS. "He comes to collect a ball only to pass it back to John Stones. He is useless. If you are truly worth €100m, then you should be able to play a ball forward."

Rice has earned 58 England caps, albeit after featuring three times for the Republic of Ireland. The central midfielder has now played in the final of the European Championships twice but finished runner-up on both occasions, and also fell agonisingly short in the Premier League title race to Manchester City in 2023-24.

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Speaking ahead of the match, Rice was keen to see England boss Gareth Southgate remain in charge of the side for the World Cup. “I woke up to the news this morning that the FA wanted him to stay until ’26," he said.

"This journey and this road that he has been on has been so special,” Rice said. Hopefully we can do something special for him for sure and I know for a fact the lads would love him to stay on until ’26, there’s no doubt about that.

"The way he looks after us, how calm he is, how he is as a man-manager, how he is on the training pitch with us, he’s top.

“But none of us have spoken to him. That’s none of our business. Whatever he wants to do, whatever makes him happy, I’m sure he’ll make the right decision. But I’m sure he’s got the backing of everyone to stay on.”

Everton and Tottenham Hotspur have reached an agreement which will see the London club surrender a previously agreed bonus for Dele Alli, it has been claimed.

Dele moved to the Merseyside club in January 2022 after seeing his Spurs opportunities limited. The midfielder joined on a free transfer, though there were a number of potential bonuses in the deal - including if the former England international signed a new deal at Goodison Park.

After being used sparingly by Frank Lampard, he was loaned to Besiktas for the 2022-23 season. Sean Dyche had replaced Frank Lampard in the Everton dugout by the time he returned, though injuries have meant the current boss hasn't been able to give Dele a single minute of football.

The 28-year-old's contract with Everton expired in June, but he has been receiving treatment for an injury with the club. According to The Mail, Everton have come to an agreement with Spurs which means they'll be able to offer him a fresh deal without triggering a 'significant' payment to the London side.

Dele's last football of any kind came in February 2023, when he played 45 minutes for Besiktas in a Super Lig match against Antalyaspor. A muscle injury kept him out of action for the remainder of that season, and he suffered a fresh setback when he was nearing a potential Everton first-team return.

The last of his Everton outings came in August 2022, shortly before his move to Turkey. He has made just 13 Premier League appearances during his injury-hit time on Merseyside, and has spoken openly about the mental health struggles he has encountered during his career.

However, there remains a sense from some that Dele has time to rebuild his career. He is still in his twenties, and the 37 England caps he won at Spurs point to a player with undoubted talent.

Should Everton sign Dele to a new contract? Have your say in the comments section

Despite not making it onto the pitch last season, Dele played an important role behind the scenes. Everton secured Premier League survival with games to spare, despite behind handed two points deductions over the course of the campaign.

"I don't think he would mind me sharing that there probably was a period when it was drifting for him," Dyche said in November. "He had a lot going on. Once that [his mental health battle] came out, it has allowed him the chance to focus on his football and he has been very involved in terms of absorbing.

"He can't get out on the grass with us yet but he is looking at it and he is absorbing what the input from myself and the staff has been. He is clear minded now. It was very difficult what he was going through, of course. We know that. But he is very willing to share, give an opinion.

"By the way, I am not on about the fact that I am calling him in for an hour, every day, and we are having these big in-depth chats. It's a case of us having a coffee in the canteen. You'll say: 'Hey, Dele, how is it going? What are your thoughts?' He'll point out little things: 'I thought that, I thought this.' It's just a natural combination where we like players to share a view."

Everton are in discussions with Tottenham Hotspur regarding Dele Alli's future as they continue to aid his recovery from injury.

The 28-year-old is currently training at Finch Farm, having been offered Everton's support in overcoming the groin issue that sidelined him last season. Despite being out of contract, the conditions of his transfer from Tottenham to Merseyside could complicate any attempts by Everton to offer him a new deal.

The Liverpool Echo understands that Everton are negotiating with Spurs to revise the original terms of the agreement. If successful, Dele may have the chance to prove himself during pre-season. These talks are the latest in an ongoing dialogue between the two clubs about the player.

Last season, when he seemed on the verge of returning after surgery, there were discussions about the terms of his January 2022 transfer - which made efforts to assist Dele's recovery difficult due to the payments that would have been required if he had reached performance milestones.

Although no breakthrough was achieved, these became irrelevant when the England international suffered an unfortunate setback in training to his groin injury, which ultimately prevented him from playing last season.

Dele has been putting in the graft during the off-season, hitting training camps in Portugal and London before arriving at Finch Farm right at the start of Everton's pre-season on Monday. The Toffees have been backing him all the way in his recovery journey.

The future of Dele's stint with the Blues hangs in the balance, hinging on ongoing discussions between Everton and Tottenham. If talks pan out, Dele might just snag the opportunity to argue for a fresh contract this summer.

Despite not yet gracing the pitch under Sean Dyche's management, Dele has already established a solid rapport with the Everton gaffer. Last season saw Dyche praising Dele's savvy football brain, highlighting how it helps in relaying tactical concepts to the squad.

Dyche shared his insights last November, saying: "You forget that he has experienced some really big things in football. He's played in a Champions League final, he's played in a World Cup semi-final. These are amazing things he's experienced.

"People, sometimes, lose sight of that. I'm not accusing anyone of anything, that's just the way it is. He's worked with some really big managers, very good managers with interesting ways of playing. Why wouldn't I go: 'Dele what's your thoughts? ' I trust these players."

Liverpool icon Javier Mascherano has backed up Lionel Messi’s claim that Cristian Romero is the “world’s best” defender.

Argentina international Romero has quietly impressed since his £42million move to Tottenham in 2021. But his performances for his country have earned the most praise, having played a key role in Argentina’s Copa America victory in 2021 and their World Cup success the following year.

Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi made his thoughts towards the 26-year-old very clear last year, telling journalists after a World Cup qualifier against Ecuador: "For me, he is the best defender in the world right now. Amazing performance tonight, man of the match."

With the centre-back now impressing again at the current edition of the Copa America, he has earned the praise of another one of his legendary compatriots - Liverpool and Barcelona’s former tough-tackling midfielder Mascherano.

Echoing Messi’s sentiment, Argentina U23s boss Mascherano said: "Cuti Romero is among the best centre-backs in the world, if he's not the best already. We don't know what his ceiling is.

"He has demonstrated it throughout the entire season at Tottenham. He has been a cornerstone player for the team, incredibly important, and the Tottenham coach has repeatedly praised him in big matches.

"I believe he is at an incredible level, a player with impressive abilities who continues to grow and improve. The level he is reaching is impressive."

Romero has been with Tottenham for three seasons after being named Serie A's Best Defender in 2020/21. He is an essential player for Spurs under Ange Postecoglou thanks to his robust tackling, aggression and slick passing, having only missed five league games last season.

With 18 Premier League clean sheets under his belt at Tottenham, Romero is keen to add another Copa America winners' medal to his collection by the time he returns to England this summer.

Liverpool icon Javier Mascherano has backed up Lionel Messi’s claim that Cristian Romero is the “world’s best” defender.

Argentina international Romero has quietly impressed since his £42million move to Tottenham in 2021. But his performances for his country have earned the most praise, having played a key role in Argentina’s Copa America victory in 2021 and their World Cup success the following year.

Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi made his thoughts towards the 26-year-old very clear last year, telling journalists after a World Cup qualifier against Ecuador: "For me, he is the best defender in the world right now. Amazing performance tonight, man of the match."

With the centre-back now impressing again at the current edition of the Copa America, he has earned the praise of another one of his legendary compatriots - Liverpool and Barcelona’s former tough-tackling midfielder Mascherano.

Echoing Messi’s sentiment, Argentina U23s boss Mascherano said: "Cuti Romero is among the best centre-backs in the world, if he's not the best already. We don't know what his ceiling is.

"He has demonstrated it throughout the entire season at Tottenham. He has been a cornerstone player for the team, incredibly important, and the Tottenham coach has repeatedly praised him in big matches.

"I believe he is at an incredible level, a player with impressive abilities who continues to grow and improve. The level he is reaching is impressive."

Romero has been with Tottenham for three seasons after being named Serie A's Best Defender in 2020/21. He is an essential player for Spurs under Ange Postecoglou thanks to his robust tackling, aggression and slick passing, having only missed five league games last season.

With 18 Premier League clean sheets under his belt at Tottenham, Romero is keen to add another Copa America winners' medal to his collection by the time he returns to England this summer.