Manchester United are now eyeing a double deal to raid Tottenham Hotspur for both Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero this summer.
Man Utd planning defensive signings
Despite Harry Maguire putting pen to paper on a new contract, which extends his stay at Old Trafford to the end of next season, Man United are looking to rebuild their defence in the summer transfer window.
The Red Devils have received the green light to sign Romero, with Tottenham now prepared to cash-in on their captain, who has already suggested he is open to leaving, having found himself in a relegation battle this season.
Less than a year on from winning the Europa League, it is looking like Romero and Van de Ven could be on the move, with the Netherlands international also looking to leave, having delayed talks about a new contract.
According to a report from The Athletic, Man United are now plotting a move for the Dutchman, with a departure 'potentially on the cards' regardless of what division Spurs find themselves in next season.
United's interest in signing a new defender stems from Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez struggling injury-wise at times this season, and they want to bring in an 'imposing, left-footed' centre-back.
The news hasn't gone down particularly well with Mark Goldbridge, who took to X to slam the recruitment team.
However, the £90k-a-week defender has caught the eye at times in a Spurs shirt, with journalist Suleyman Ozturk saying during the 2023-24 season: "He was also impressive against Manchester City a week and a half ago and now this match against Everton. It is unbelievable what kind of development he is going through now; he is a Superman in a Rolls-Royce."
Signing Van de Ven perhaps makes more sense than Romero, given that he is left-footed, whereas Romero favours his right, but the Argentinian has outperformed his centre-back partner in a number of key areas this season.
Cristian Romero stats
The 27-year-old was recently ruled out for the remainder of the season due to injury, which is a blow for Tottenham, given that he has been one of their better players in a poor campaign, averaging a 7.06 FotMob match rating, the highest in the squad.
Cristian Romero's Premier League statistics
Micky van de Ven stats
Van de Ven has also been a key player for Spurs, playing the most minutes of any outfield player, but Romero has gotten the better of him across a number of key defensive metrics.
Micky van de Ven's Premier League statistics