According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid had a key role in shutting down Tottenham Hotspur’s latest attempt to sign Nico Paz from Como.
The journalist mentions that Spurs put forward a huge €70 million package for the 20-year-old midfielder, but the offer was turned down yesterday.
While Tottenham were serious in their pursuit, Nico made it clear that he wants to remain at Como for now, keeping his long-term sights set firmly on Real Madrid.
Madrid, on their part, were ready to match any offer for Nico to protect their future plans. The club are more than happy to see him continue his development in Serie A, knowing that his return to the Santiago Bernabeu is not far away.
As things stand, his move to Madrid in the summer of 2026 looks very likely.
Tottenham’s gamble rejected
It must be noted that Tottenham turned their attention to Nico after missing out on Eberechi Eze, but their €70m bid was immediately dismissed.
This was not Spurs’ first approach either, as Como had already rejected an earlier attempt.
The Italian side remain keen to hold onto their rising star, while Madrid are monitoring everything closely in the background.
Notably, Real Madrid also have a €10m buy-back clause for 2026, though reports suggest the club are willing to compensate Como further in the future as a sign of respect for his development there.
Nico has already shown he has the quality to perform at the top level, and his time in Serie A is shaping him into a more complete player.
If he maintains this level of growth, Xabi Alonso could have another exciting midfield option waiting for him next season.
For Madrid, the long-term picture is clear – Nico is a player they do not want to lose, no matter the price on the table.
As Real Madrid look to beef up their defensive unit, Piero Hincapie has been one of the names linked with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
In a Leverkusen team that has witnessed a mass exodus this summer, Hincapie is a strong candidate to become the last player to leave the club, following the footsteps of Granit Xhaka, Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Amine Adli and Jonathan Tah, among others.
Real Madrid are one of the clubs keeping close tabs on Hincapie, owing to the player’s connection with coach Xabi Alonso.
Hincapie ready to leave Leverkusen
Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg has offered an update on Hincapie’s future, suggesting that the defender is ready to leave Leverkusen in this final week of the transfer market.
Leverkusen are keen on keeping hold of the Ecuadorian international, knowing they might find it difficult to find a replacement within a week.
However, with Real Madrid, among other clubs, interested in his services, the player could be tempted to take the next leap in his career.
Acquiring the services of the centre-back, though, could prove to be costly, with the defender having a release clause worth €60 million.
While Hincapie is ready to leave Leverkusen if a suitable offer arrives, Real Madrid might find it difficult to fund a €60 million move in a summer where they have already spent €178 million.
Therefore, Real Madrid might not be in a position to make a move for the Bundesliga star unless they can sanction a big money sale this summer.
Rodrygo, for one, has been closely linked with a move away from the Bernabeu and his potential sale could pave the way for Real Madrid to sign a new defender.
However, the Brazilian international has shown no desire to leave the club so far.