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Michael Dawson has slammed Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero after he picked up yet another red card during the defeat to Manchester United on Saturday.

Romero is one of Tottenham’s biggest stars, but his disciplinary record is woeful. He has the joint-most yellow cards in the Premier League this season with eight, and has become the first player to be sent off twice.

At Old Trafford, Tottenham were once again left playing with 10 men as Romero dangerously caught Casemiro on the ankle with his studs when tackling the Brazilian midfielder.

The centre-back had done well to win the ball but stupidly followed through with his tackle, forcing the referee to show the red card.

It is Romero’s sixth red card for Spurs, piling the pressure on manager Thomas Frank. To make matters worse for the Argentinian, he caused controversy earlier this week by saying it was ‘unbelievable and disgraceful’ that Spurs only had 11 players available in the 2-2 draw with Manchester City.

On Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday, ex-Spurs captain Dawson criticised Romero by saying: “It’s an absolute nightmare for Thomas Frank. This is a disaster; a disaster for Thomas Frank. It really, really is.

“He’ll be thinking, ‘what is happening here?’ You’re a manager, your team is sitting in 14th, you’re in a tricky position, and your captain’s come out and said these things in the media, thinking it couldn’t get any worse for him… but now he goes and leaves your team down to 10 men.

“I’m just baffled at this situation, because he’s a captain and is supposed to lead by example, and you leave your team vulnerable, 10 men, Old Trafford, against a team that’s in fine form, and it’s a long way back, and you’re losing your captain to a red card.

“And he’s also one of your best players – let’s not get away from that fact – but Romero has let his team down again, badly, today.”

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Romero, Van De Ven picking up interest

Spurs went behind nine minutes after Romero’s dismissal when Bryan Mbeumo finished off a well-worked United corner. Bruno Fernandes later doubled United’s lead as Spurs were easily beaten.

This summer might be the perfect time for Spurs to cash in on Romero, despite his clear talent.

We revealed on Thursday that Spurs are bracing themselves for a summer showdown to keep the 27-year-old amid strong interest from Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.

There is also speculation his centre-back partner Micky van de Ven could leave. Our sources state that Liverpool have identified Van De Ven as a possible replacement for Ibrahima Konate, in case the latter joins Madrid on a free transfer.

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Liverpool would be prepared to move for an experienced centre-back this summer should Ibrahima Konate leave the club, despite recently completing a deal for highly-rated defender Jeremy Jacquet.

The Reds have secured Jacquet with the expectation that he will be part of the first-team picture next season – rather than eased in as a long-term project. However, sources close to the club are adamant that Liverpool would be willing to return to the market immediately if Konate’s situation takes serious shape in the direction of Spain.

The France international is once again being linked with a move to Real Madrid and has yet to agree a new contract at Anfield.

With his current deal running down, Konate would be eligible to leave on a free transfer, something Liverpool are keen to avoid but have been cautious of.

Madrid’s list of elite free-agent centre-back options has shortened significantly. Dayot Upamecano, long admired by the Spanish giants, has signed a new contract at Bayern Munich, while Marc Guehi has completed a move to Manchester City.

Those developments have seemed to further sharpen Madrid’s focus on Konate, increasing the likelihood of Liverpool needing to act decisively in the market.

While Jacquet’s arrival will add depth and long-term upside, Liverpool would not yet see him as a direct replacement for Konate’s experience at the top level. As a result, the club would prioritise a proven option.

We understand Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven remains very much on Liverpool’s radar in that scenario.

The Dutch international is believed to be among the players Liverpool would seriously consider.

We revealed on Thursday that Spurs are bracing themselves for a summer showdown as they try to keep Van De Ven’s centre-back partner Cristian Romero.

Speculation Romero could leave north London this summer has ramped up after he appeared to criticise the Spurs hierarchy on social media once again. Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid have all been linked with the Argentine.

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Liverpool to meet wage demands; Spurs miss out

Meanwhile, we can confirm Liverpool are ready to match Dominik Szoboszlai’s financial demands as contract talks accelerate.

Liverpool aim to end interest from Madrid and Atleti by tying the midfielder down to lucrative fresh terms.

Liverpool left-back Andy Roberson’s agents are in talks with Celtic over a move to Celtic Park in the summer of 2026, according to a report, as TEAMtalk reveals Fenway Sports Group’s (FSG) plan regarding the Scottish star, with Tottenham Hotspur still keen on him.

Robertson was close to a move to Tottenham from Liverpool in the winter transfer window. Liverpool were willing to sell the Scottish left-back to last season’s Europa League winners for £5million (€5.7m, $7m).

The Scotland international himself was willing to swap Anfield for Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but Liverpool eventually pulled the plug on the deal following the injury to Joe Gomez.

TEAMtalk’s transfer correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, has since reported that Tottenham remain keen on a 2026 summer deal for Robertson, whose current contract with Liverpool runs out at the end of the season.

Sources have told us that Celtic are also keen on securing the services of the 31-year-old on a free transfer.

Robertson was at Celtic as a youth player, but he failed to make it through to the first team.

Celtic will be able to offer Robertson good wages, especially as the defending Scottish Premiership champions would not have to pay any transfer fee for him.

Sports Boom has now reported that Robertson’s agents are in talks with Celtic officials over a move to Celtic Park as a free agent in the summer of 2026.

The report has claimed that ‘talks have already begun between Robertson’s representatives and bosses at Parkhead’, adding that ‘a return to Scotland is increasingly likely after this summer’s World Cup in North America’.

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Liverpool plan for Andy Robertson – sources

While Celtic will fancy their chances of signing Robertson, we understand that Liverpool have plans to hand him a new deal and stop him leaving Anfield.

Sources have told our transfer correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, that Liverpool are considering handing Robertson a one-year or two-year contract.

We understand that Liverpool value the former Hull City defender’s leadership.

Even though Robertson is not the first-choice left-back under manager Arne Slot, Liverpool still view him as an integral part of the team and want to keep him at Anfield for at least one more year.

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Latest Liverpool transfer news: Midfielder ‘review’, Newcastle raid

Meanwhile, Liverpool will conduct a ‘review’ on a midfielder at the end of the season, with Real Madrid confirmed admirers of him.

Liverpool are also said to be keen on signing a Newcastle United defender in the summer of 2026.

Tottenham Hotspur explored a move for Juventus star Kenan Yildiz, TEAMtalk understands, but the north London club believe that they will not be able to secure his services.

Sources have told TEAMtalk that Tottenham looked into a deal for Yildiz, but last season’s Europa League winners have accepted that their ambitious attempt to land the 20-year-old Turkey international attacker is over.

Spurs contemplated a move for the Juventus star in the January transfer window as his contract talks in Italy dragged on.

We reported during the winter window that Juventus sources were adamant a move would not open up as their plans to keep Yildiz on board were still alive.

While their initial plans to sign him to a new deal by the end of 2025 did not come to life, the Serie A club pushed it back so that they could completely focus on the new deal once the January window closed.

We are now reaching a point where Juventus are closing in on a contract for Yildiz – who had also been tracked by Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea – with an extension expected to 2031.

Yildiz’s preference has always been to remain at Juventus, and it is a significant moment for the Serie A outfit, who will also aim to make a splash in the summer of 2026.

Current Premier League stars – Sandro Tonali (Newcastle United) and Randal Kolo Muani (on loan at Tottenham Hotspur from Paris Saint-Germain) are both on the radar of Juventus.

Yildiz is a versatile attacking player who can operate as a left-winger, second striker, centre-forward and attacking midfield.

The youngster has scored nine goals and given eight assists in 31 appearances for Juventus so far this season.

Yildiz is so highly rated that he has been tipped to win the Ballon d’Or in the future.

Former Manchester United and Italy international forward Giuseppe Rossi told TuttoMercatoWeb on October 1: “A super Yildiz.

“The Turk is a phenomenon and will be a Ballon d’Or winner in the future: he’s 20, but he plays like a 30-year-old with a 100 Champions League appearances.

“I have a soft spot for his ability to attempt a beautiful play for the good of the team, not just for the applause.

“Juventus is Yildiz plus 10 others; in terms of impact, he’s a bit like the Lamine Yamal of the Bianconeri.”

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Latest Tottenham transfer news: Liverpool raid, Mauricio Pochettino return

Meanwhile, our transfer correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, has reported that Tottenham Hotspur want to sign a Liverpool midfielder, but there is competition from Aston Villa and Newcastle United.

Sources have also told Mauricio Pochettino’s stance on leaving his role as the USA manager to take charge of Tottenham, should the north London club sack Thomas Frank.

In a major development, TEAMtalk can reveal that Mauricio Pochettino would unequivocally accept a return to Tottenham if offered the role following the World Cup, as sources shed light on the precarious position of current boss Thomas Frank.

Frank, who took the reins at Tottenham in a move from Brentford last summer, has overseen a disappointing season.

Spurs currently sit 14th in the Premier League table, far from the Champions League spots they covet. With a gruelling fixture list looming – including clashes against Manchester United, Newcastle and Arsenal – the board’s patience is wearing thin, even after a creditable 2-2 draw with Manchester City last time out.

Insiders suggest that poor results could precipitate Frank’s sacking, paving the way for an interim appointment. Johnny Heitinga, already embedded in the coaching staff, has now emerged as the frontrunner to steady the ship until summer.

The rationale behind retaining Frank amid the turmoil? Tottenham’s hierarchy is playing the long game, eyeing superior managerial options post-World Cup.

Pochettino, set to take the United States national team through the tournament, tops that list. Despite interest from Manchester United, where he remains on their radar as a potential successor in their own manager hunt, Pochettino’s deep affection for Spurs is said to be unshakeable.

A sense of unfinished business – after his abrupt 2019 departure despite leading the club to a Champions League final – fuels this narrative. “For Poch, Spurs is a pull that’s too strong to ignore” one source confided.

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Tottenham eyeing spectacular rebuild under Pochettino

Looking ahead, Tottenham are gearing up for a transformative summer transfer window. Substantial investment is planned to rebuild the squad, but attracting top talent hinges on the dugout’s occupant.

Pochettino’s proven track record in nurturing stars like Harry Kane and Son Heung-min positions him as a magnet for elite players, far surpassing Frank’s appeal in the eyes of the board.

As the World Cup drama unfolds, Spurs fans dream of a Pochettino renaissance.

Could this be the catalyst for a return to glory? Only time will tell, but the whispers from the corridors of Tottenham suggest a blockbuster reunion is on the cards.

Latest Tottenham news: Mikey Moore update / Striker deal agreed

Meanwhile, yesterday, we revealed Rangers’ chances of re-signing Tottenham star Mikey Moore on loan again next season.

Moore, 18, struggled with Rangers initially this season but his form has completely turned that around recently, with a string of excellent performances.

In other news, Tottenham have agreed to sell an exciting striker to Brazilian club Bahia in the summer. Spurs are set to recoup €9million (£7.8m / $10.6m) from the deal.