Thomas Frank might have to make do without Cristian Romero at Tottenham next season.
Romero’s future is one of the biggest question marks at Tottenham, with the defender widely linked with a move to Atletico Madrid.
Ange Postecoglou shared a close relationship with Romero, and it is thought that the sacking of the Australian has upset the centre-back.
Therefore, a summer exit for Romero is starting to feel inevitable, and Frank is understood to have already identified his replacement.
Frank wants to bring Nathan Collins to Tottenham
Tottenham will look to raid Brentford for more than their manager this summer.
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And with Romero fuelling speculation about his departure, Frank could look to bring in Brentford’s Nathan Collins as a replacement.
The centre-back featured in every single minute of the Bees’ Premier League campaign this season, and as reported by the Hounslow Herald (9 June), the 24-year-old is interested in following Frank to Tottenham.
However, the financial package involved could become an issue, as Brentford would look for “a significant return” on the £22million they paid for Collins. Therefore, Romero would need to be sold first to provide Spurs with the necessary funding to make the deal happen.
And Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – agrees that Collins will only be signed if Romero leaves.
“Proven Premier League players are hard to come by,” Wenham said.
“Collins did well before joining Brentford, and it was seen as quite a coup when they signed him. They paid a decent fee to bring him to the club, and there were bigger clubs looking.
“Therefore, if Frank wants him and knows him well, that deal would make sense. However, I think that transfer would only happen if Romero were to leave Tottenham.”
Collins would be a good Romero replacement
Collins could spend the prime years of his career at Tottenham if he is to make the move to North London this summer.
The Republic of Ireland international would offer a dynamic partnership with Micky van de Ven. Collins is known for his strong physical presence and aerial game, which makes him effective in all phases of play.
Along with van de Ven’s speed and composure, the two could form one of the best defensive duos in the Premier League. Therefore, while Tottenham would miss Romero, Collins would make a suitable replacement.