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You would be hard pressed to find a player that divides opinion within the Tottenham Hotspur fanbase as much as Cristian Romero does. There is strong competition for that crown, with the likes of Brennan Johnson - but Romero may well be number one.

There are fans who see him as a world class defender, one of the best in the world - who deserves to play with better players. Others, meanwhile, see him as reckless, unreliable, and someone who only cares about the Argentina national team.

For what our tuppence is worth, he is a very, very talented player, who is just extremely passionate about his national team - like most South Americans - and he does care about Spurs. However, the old age cliche about availability being the best ability is something that is certainly relevant when it comes to Romero.

Last week, we aggregated the news that La Liga side Atletico Madrid were interested in the player - to join an Argentine contingent of manager Diego Simeone - and five first team players this coming summer.

Well, according to journalist Sacha Tavolieri - Romero has already spoken to Simeone over the phone, and is excited by the idea of joining Atletico. He also reports that Daniel Levy could demand 80 million Euros - which is around £67 million pounds.

Cristian Romero said to have spoken to Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone

As it stands, the 26-year old - whom will turn 27 next month - has two years remaining on his current contract in North London, so in truth a fee of £67 million, for an injury prone player who seemingly wants out - would be fairly difficult for the club to turn down.

There is little wonder that the Spanish side are in for a central defender. Former Spurs loanee Clement Lenglet has been a regular in their backline this season. Indeed, you did read that correctly. At the weekend, he gave a penalty away to cost them a win and evaporate their small title hopes.

Some have suggested that Luka Vuskovic will be the successor to Romero, which would in turn allow Spurs to use the money in other positions. That said, you feel like they would need to bring in a centre back anyway.

Ange - or whoever is in charge next season - would be left with an injury prone Micky van de Ven, Kevin Danso, an 18-year old Vuskovic, Radu Dragusin who will miss the first few months of the season, and is probably not up to the level regardless, and Ben Davies. Is that enough, quality wise? The last thing anyone wants is another season of having to stunt Archie Gray's development by playing him in defence.

This midweek, as we enter April – the beginning of the best part of the year – there are plenty of games for Tottenham Hotspur loanees. Let’s take a look at how things are shaping up for each and every player. Â

How the midweek slate looks for each Tottenham Hotspur loanee

In League One, there is action for Josh Keeley, Jamie Donley, and their Leyton Orient side, as they face Burton Albion away from home. After five defeats in a row, the O’s have now won both of their last two games. Should they get another three points here, they could re enter the play offs, as they currently sit three points behind sixth placed Reading – with better goal difference. Kick off here is 19:45 BST, and can be watched on the Sky Sports red button, for those of you in the UK. Â

Meanwhile, Matthew Craig’s Mansfield Town host Charlton Athletic – though he continues to be MIA, so probably not much to report on that one, though we will update you if there is. It really has been a tough season for him after such a positive start at Barnsley – hard to believe that was the same season as his current situation. Â

In League Two, George Abbott and his Notts County side face MK Dons at home on Wednesday evening. Last weekend, the Magpies pulled off a huge win to give themselves some breathing space in the play offs, with a seven point buffer – whilst being just two points off the automatic promotion spots, so they could enter them by the end of the gameweek. This game is on Wednesday, will kick off at 19:45 BST, and is also live on Sky Sports red button for those in the UK. Â

Meanwhile, down in the National League – Luca Gunter and his Wealdstone side have an absolutely huge game, as they host Boston United. Coming into the game, Wealdstone are 21st in the League – the final relegation spot – whilst Boston sit just one place above in 20th. As you would expect, Gunter’s side can leapfrog their visitors with all three points in this one. 19:45 BST kick off on Tuesday here.Â

That is that for this midweek. There is no Championship midweek action here, despite there often being so and having had an international break just last week, so they will continue at the weekend. Go well everyone, and don’t get injured.Â

One of the few shining lights of this terrible Tottenham Hotspur season has been the emergence of Lucas Bergvall. In the winter of last year, a then 17-year old Bergvall rejected a move to Spanish side Barcelona in order to join Spurs a few months later, ahead of the 24/25 season.

After a steady start to life in North London, Bergvall has really thrived in the last few months - become a regular starter in the midfield, and impressing with his performances both on and off of the ball. His best moment was surely the goal in the Carabao Cup semi final first leg against Liverpool, with a superb curling finish into the bottom corner.

Owing to his performances in a Spurs shirt this season, Swedish outlet Fotbollskanalen have reported that the club have rejected any enquiries into the player's availability, with the likes of Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund said to have shown an interest in the player. Spurs are said to consider the midfielder 'untouchable'.

Spurs not entertaining any interest in teenage midfielder Lucas Bergvall

At the moment, the player has a contract at the club until the summer of 2029, so there is absolutely no pressure to sell for the time being. There would be serious outrage, and rightly so, within the fanbase if a player with as much potential as Bergvall was allowed to leave the club. It would be a damning indicment of where Spurs are as a club if he was allowed to leave.

The Spurs fans see the likes of Bergvall, Archie Gray and Mikey Moore as the future of the club. All three players were selected in media outlet GOAL's list of the 50 best teenagers in football, as well as Luka Vuskovic and Yang Min-hyeok, whom many people also see as the future of the club, with Vuskovic in particular a player that people are extremely excited about.

No doubt, the player himself will have high ambitions, and he will want to be competing at a better level than Spurs currently are, so there is that to take into consideration too. That said, having compatriot and international team mate Dejan Kulusevski at the club should help in that regard. There is very little doubt that the latter helped Bergvall settle into life at Spurs.

To think that Kulusevski was born in the 21st century yet is six years older than Bergvall, a regular for club and a senior international himself, is pretty crazy. We are all getting old.

On Saturday afternoon, Tottenham Hotspur youngster George Abbott and his Notts County side were in League Two action, as they travelled across the water to face namesake side Newport County in a huge game. Coming into this one, Notts had only won two of their previous nine games, and were at risk of falling out of the play offs that they had spent so much of the season in. Â

As usual, the Spurs loanee was named in the starting XI by manager Stuart Maynard – his 32nd start in the league this season, his 34th start in all competitions, and 36th total game in all competitions. Â

How things went for George Abbott and his side in League Two

It would be the dream start for Notts, who took the lead after just six minutes of the game. They continued to be the better side throughout the first half, having ten shots to three, and 61% of the ball, though they could not extend their lead and went into the break with a one goal advantage. Â

After the break, the hosts came back into the game, at least in possession, but Notts would double their lead on 63 minutes. From there, they were able to see the game out relatively comfortably, to secure a big and much needed three points away from home. Â

As for Abbott himself, another 90 minutes completed for him, making it 2920 minutes completed in League Two. During this game, he recorded; 61 touches of the ball, 42/45 completed passes, one chance created, one shot off target, one shot blocked, one foul drawn, 5/9 ground duels won, one clearance, and four tackles. Â

Given how much is on the line for Notts this season, with promotion in their sights, it really is a big testament to Abbott that he is trusted to start and play 90 minutes every week. For a teenager to be given so much responsibility in a promotion fight shows what a player Spurs have on their hands. It really has been a great season individually and collectively. Â

This win keeps Notts in 6th place in League Two, but with a seven point buffer on 8th place Colchester United, having now picked up 65 points from their 39 games. They also have superior goal difference to the chasing pack – should that be needed come the end of the season. They are now just two points off the automatic promotion spots too.

Next up for Notts is some midweek action, as they host MK Dons on Wednesday, for a 19:45 BST kick off. Going to keep saying how wonderful it feels to say BST. Â

At 11:00 GMT on Tuesday morning, Tottenham Hotspur captain Heung-Min Son was in action for the South Korea national team, as they hosted Jordan in their second World Cup qualifying game of this break. In the first game, they had been held to a 1-1 draw at home to Oman. Â

For this game, as expected, captain Son was named in the starting XI – though this time up front, having played on the left hand side in the last game, and for the vast majority of his games with the national team. Yang Min-hyeok was again on the bench.Â

How things went for Tottenham Hotspur duo in World Cup qualifier

After just five minutes of the game, South Korea had taken the lead, with Son grabbing an assist from a corner. Seven minutes later, he also put in an excellent delivery from a corner, but this time it was not taken, and they did not go two goals up. Â

They would be made to pay for that miss, as Jordan equalised on the half an hour mark. That was enough for the two sides to go into the half time break at 1-1, with everything still to play for. Â

At half time, Min-hyeok was introduced to the action, making his debut for the national team in the process, whilst still being just 18 years of age. A very impressive achievement that should not be understated. Â

Despite huffing and puffing, South Korea could not find a way through in the second half, as they were condemned to their second consecutive draw during this international break. Had they won both of their games, they would have secured ther qualification for the World Cup next year. Â

As for Son, he was substituted in stoppage time. It was a good performance from the skipper, recording; 44 touches, 17/19 passes, five chances created, 7/13 accurate crosses, two big chances created, one assist, and two fouls drawn. He did only have one shot – a free kick from miles out – which is a bit of an issue, but more of a team mate one based on his overall performance. Â

Meanwhile, it was a quiet debut for Min-hyeok, but still a very proud day nevertheless. South Korea remain top of the group, with 16 points from their eight games so far. Given their superior goal difference, two points in their final two games should guarantee qualification, though three points would 100% confirm it. Â

According to a report from journalist Matteo Moretto, Atletico Madrid are considering the option of signing Cristian Romero from Tottenham Hotspur, with manager Diego Simeone viewing the player as a “dream signing”. Â

Atletico Madrid interested in wantaway Tottenham Hotspur defender

Furthermore, Moretto states that the player is “determined to leave Tottenham”, though Atletico must be prepared to make a “significant financial investment”. They are said to be monitoring his situation closely if he is to leave North London this summer. In addition, he mentions that, as touched on above, he is highly regarded by Simeone, and the fact that they are compatriots only strengthens that.  Â

So, the interest is clear based on this report. In addition to Simeone, he would also be joining fellow compatriots and international team mates; Juan Musso, Nahuel Molina, Rodrigo de Paul, Guilano Simeone, Angel Correa, Julian Alvarez. There are also as expected many Spanish players there and Uruguayan Jose Gimenez, so plenty of fellow Spanish speakers. Â

There could be another Uruguayan player there too, with fellow Spurs player Rodrigo Bentancur also linked with the Spanish outfit this month. Coincidentally, they both played each other last time out, as Argentina beat Uruguay 1-0 in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers. Â

It's hard to argue that Romero would be a good fit over there. He is an absolute lunatic and so is Simeone. Atletico are an extremely passionate club, and have always had South Americans in their successful teams. Particularly nutcases like Romero.

It is probably no secret at this point that Romero would like to leave the club. Spurs are languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League – not even mid table – and reports are suggesting that the player is unhappy with the medical department at the club, with his social media posts also implying the same. Â

Some will say well at least Spurs may have a defender instead whom is available for every game – or at least more than Romero – but there is plenty to suggest that the injuries are a club issue. So although it is a valid point to raise, the club could end up replacing Romero with an inferior defender who also misses plenty of games.Â

Meanwhile, the defender is in action later on tonight, as Argentina host Brazil in World Cup qualifying at midnight GMT. Should his side win the game, they will be the fourth team to qualify for the World Cup (via qualification) after Japan, New Zealand and Iran (although Uzbekistan may have too by the time you are reading this)Â

Let's see. What we can expect is the rumours regarding Romero to not go away anytime soon, that is for sure. Â

On Friday evening, Spurs teenager Archie Gray came on as a second half substitute, as England U21s lost 5-3 to France U21s in a thrilling game, full of players playing in the top five leagues – a game where Spurs winger Wilson Odobert picked up two assists.Â

For this game, when England hosted Portugal at the Hawthorns – home of West Bromwich Albion – Gray started the game, playing as a right-back, where he mostly played for Leeds United last season, and at times in cup competitions this season. Â

Archie Gray starts at right-back for England U21s on Monday evening

After seven minutes, Spurs linked Hayden Hackney of Middlesbrough gave England the lead. Three minutes later, their lead was doubled – though Portugal got back in the game midway through the first half. Â

With just under twenty minutes remaining, Gray was substituted, having got through the game without any injuries. After three goals in the final 15 minutes of the game, the Young Lions would eventually run out 4-2 winners against their Portuguese counterparts in the West Midlands. Â

As for Gray himself, he recorded; two clearances, one blocked shot, 86 touches of the ball, 75/77 accurate passes, 1/1 accurate long balls, one big chance created, 3 out of 4 ground duels won, one foul drawn, and 2/2 successful dribble attempt.Â

The aforementioned Hackney was not the only Spurs linked player to feature, with Jarrad Branthwaite playing alongside Gray in the back four, as well as Adam Wharton and Liam Delap coming off the bench. The talent levels in that squad is pretty absurd, it has to be said. Â

So, over this break, Gray played a total of 83 minutes, not even a full game. Considering how overplayed he was being at one point, he has definitely had the chance to recharge the batteries, particularly considering he was an unused sub in the draw with Bournemouth, and only came off the bench in the second leg against AZ Alkmaar. Â

Ideally, he will now be fully ready to be able to help Spurs in the Europa League, starting with the quarter finals against Frankfurt. It would help to also be able to do so in the Premier League, but it doesn’t really matter at this stage, as awful as it is. Â

Anyway, Gray’s international break is now over, and he will return to Spurs. Quick sidenote; on the topic of rest, and players returning to Spurs, Dominic Solanke was an unused sub in both of England’s games during this break, and will be fully fresh for the final stretch of the season.Â

On Monday afternoon, there was again action for Mathys Tel and Wilson Odobert’s France U21 side, after they beat England 5-3 on Friday in an incredible end to end game, where Odobert picked up two assists. Â

In that game, Tel was named on the bench, whilst Odobert started the game. This time, where France faced this summer's U21 Euros hosts - Slovakia - it was the opposite, as manager Gerald Barticle rotated the side – Tel started on the left hand side of a front three. Â

How things went for Mathys Tel and Wilson Odobert on Monday evening

After 20 minutes, the Spurs man cut inside from the left, and curled a superb finish into the bottom corner. A strike from a player that does not seem to have had his confidence knocked by a slow start to life in North London. Â

Just three minutes later, Tel and France had two. A slide rule through ball found the teenager in behind, as he kept his composure to finish past the onrushing goalkeeper. Again, certainly not the finish from a player lacking confidence. Very good to see. Â

Those two strikes from the Spurs man were enough to give Les Blues a 2-0 lead heading into the half time interval. After 64 minutes, he was substituted after a brilliant performance. Â

With just under a quarter of an hour remaining, Odobert was introduced to the action as part of a triple sub – with France cruising to a comfortable 4-0 win, with Tel’s first half brace and another two goals after the break. Nine goals in two games for their side. Â

There has been plenty said about Tel struggling in a Tottenham Hotspur shirt so far, but this brace will hopefully have done him the world of good. It was great for Odobert to build on his brace against AZ Alkmaar with his two assists in the win over England U21s. Â

At some point, it would be really exciting to see a front three of those two flanking Dominic Solanke as the focal point. Having the speed and dynamism of those two playing off of a striker with elite hold up play like Solanke would be really interesting to see. He would definitely get service from crosses and cutbacks into the box too. Â

Both of Tel and Odobert’s international breaks are now over, and they will return to Spurs. Normally we say ahead of the game at the weekend, but in this case ahead of the game with Chelsea next midweek. Â

Although, again, we are between transfer windows, it does not mean that rumours, in terms of incomings or outgoings, ever go away. They are not as relentless as during transfer windows, but they still pop up a lot. The international break always brings rumours when there is not much else to talk about from a club football perspective.

That is no different with Spurs, whom have been linked with a number of signings, as well as another departures. Should even half of the rumours have some credibility to them, it could be a very busy summer in N17.

The latest player to be linked with a move away is Rodrigo Bentancur, who is reportedly of interest to La Liga side Atletico Madrid.

Spurs midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur linked with a move to La Liga

Reliable journalist Matteo Moretto stated: "Atletico has had contacts to test the ground for June, but whether there have been any concrete negotiations is [still] unsure." Meanwhile, journalist Uriel Lugt said: "The Spanish club is looking for a midfielder, and has therefore investigated the situation of the player from Tottenham. There are no direct negotiations underway yet."

So, both reports would suggest that is some initial, base interest from Atletico, but nothing is advanced as of yet. Which checks out, given it is still March. Nevertheless, certainly one to keep an eye on, you would think.

The midfielder will have one year remaining on his contract from this summer, so the club could see it as an opportunity to cash in, if he has not signed a new contract by then. There had been talk on social media that he had signed a new deal, with photos circulating of what looks like a sit down interview with the club, but there has been nothing more than that so far, and definitely nothing confirmed.

There is little doubt that Bentancur is a good player, and we saw it early on in his spell at the club. However, he has unfortunately not been the same since that injury against Leicester City in February of 2023, at least not consistently.

Atletico feels like a good fit for the player. He can play in a Spanish speaking country, with a fellow South American in Diego Simeone in charge. International team mate Jose Gimenez has been at the club since 2013, whilst club legends Diego Godin and Luis Suarez are also from Uruguay.

Let's see what happens. Still very early days.

On Sunday evening, four UEFA Nations League quarter final second legs simultaneously took place. With it, there was action for Tottenham Hotspur players. Let’s have a look at how things went both collectively and individually. Â

To begin – just like in the first leg – Destiny Udogie was named in the Italy starting XI, featuring as a left wing back, whilst Guglielmo Vicario was on the substitutes bench, with Gianluigi Donnarumma of Paris Saint Germain again preferred instead. Â

After a goalless first half an hour, Germany then scored three goals in 15 minutes to go 3-0 ahead on the night, and 5-1 on aggregate. However, Italy got one back four minutes into the second half, and then again with twenty minutes to go, making it 5-3 on aggregate. Â

With 15 minutes remaining, Italy were awarded a penalty, though it was then overturned after a review. They were then actually given a penalty in stoppage time, which they converted, but it came too late – and they were condemned to a 5-4 defeat on aggregate. Too little too late. Â

As for Udogie himself, he played the 90 minutes – his 11th cap for Italy. Both he and Vicario’s international breaks are now done, and they will return to North London. Â

Meanwhile, for Spain, Pedro Porro was named amongst the substitutes for their second leg at home to the Netherlands in Valencia, with Oscar Mingueza of Celta Vigo preferred at right-back instead. The tie was finely poised at 2-2 after the first leg.Â

After eight minutes, Spain took the lead from the spot – though the Netherlands equalised with a penalty of their own after 54 minutes. Spain then retook the lead after 67 minutes, only to be pegged back for a second time after 79 minutes. 2-2 on the night, 4-4 on aggregate, and onto another 30 minutes. Â

Four minutes into extra time, Mingueza pulled up with an injury, giving Porro the opportunity to be introduced to the action. After 103 minutes, Spain took the lead for a third time on the night, with Spurs linked Dean Huijsen grabbing an assist. Â

However, after 109 minutes, the Dutch equalised for a third time, and a second time from the penalty spot. The three penalties in the two hours would not be the only ones of the night, as the sides could not be separated, and a shootout was subsequently to come. Â

After six perfect penalties, the Netherlands were to first to blink in the shootout, but Spain then did the same. After another penalty scored each, the Netherlands then missed again, and Spain scored to secure a 5-4 penalty shootout win. Â

This means that Porro’s side will take place in the Nations League finals that will take place in Germany this June. They will face France in their one legged semi final. If they win, they will face the winner of Germany and Portugal in the final, and if they lose, they will play the loser of that game in the third place play off. Â