Cristian Romero’s uncertain future has dominated the discourse at Tottenham so far this summer.
Romero has been linked with a move to Atletico Madrid for several months.
The Argentine has previously expressed his desire to play in Spain at some point in his career, while Diego Simeone has made his admiration for Romero clear.
However, Atletico fans will have to hold back on the celebrations with Romero now expected to remain at Tottenham this summer.
Daniel Levy to demand big money for Romero
It has been suggested that Tottenham want to extend Romero’s contract, but there are concerns over the defender’s willingness to put pen to paper on fresh terms in North London.
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As a result, Spurs have been linked with several centre-backs, with the print edition of Mundo Deportivo (6 July, page 21) reporting that Spurs had decided on Genoa’s Koni De Winter as a replacement for Romero in a deal that could cost £20.7million.
However, Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes that the fee for Romero will convince Atletico to end their pursuit.
“I wouldn’t concern myself too much with the reports from Spain,” Wenham said.
“We know the Spanish media are heavily influenced by the big clubs in Spain. Until we see Romero come out and state he wants to leave, I’d take this all with a pinch of salt, to be honest. I still think he will stay at Tottenham.
“I don’t see any club being willing to pay what Romero is worth. As I’ve said, I think Levy will want £80m. We spent £40m on him, and since then, he’s become a World Cup winner.”
Tottenham should still recruit De Winter
De Winter is too good a market opportunity for Tottenham to pass up, even if Romero remains.
Indeed, the Lilywhites have one of the best defences in the Premier League on paper. Romero and Micky van de Ven are a devastating duo, while Destiny Udogie and Pedro Porro are excellent out wide.
However, fitness has become a huge issue at Hospur Way over the past couple of years. As a result, Spurs should still advance for the Belgian, and a reported price of around £20m is an absolute bargain.