TEAMtalk

Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero has hit out at the lack of available first-team players at the north London club, which will further fuel rumours linking him with Real Madrid.

The winter transfer window is now officially closed, and Romero will not leave Tottenham, but the Argentina international central defender’s latest post on Instagram seemingly aimed at the club’s owners and board will raise doubts on his long-term future.

Romero played through illness for the first half of Tottenham’s Premier League game against Manchester City at the weekend.

Tottenham manager Thomas Frank had to take Romero off at halftime, as the Premier League game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday ended in a 2-2 draw.

Spurs have been decimated by injuries and made just two major signings in the winter window – midfielder Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid and left-back Souza from Santos.

However, Tottenham also sold Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace, sent Kota Takai out on loan to Borussia Monchengladbach and recalled Manor Solomon from his loan spell at Villarreal and then sent him off to Fiorentina, among the major outgoings.

Romero wrote on Instagram: “Great effort from all my teammates yesterday , they were incredible.

“I wanted to be available to help them even though I wasn’t feeling well, especially since we only had 11 players available — unbelievable but true and disgraceful.

“We’ll keep showing up and taking responsibility to turn this around, working hard and staying together.

“All that’s left is to thank all of you for being there and for always supporting us, the fans.”

Want more breaking transfer lines from original sources? Add TEAMtalk as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust.

Cristian Romero outburst plays into Real Madrid hands

Romero signed a new contract with Tottenham only in August 2025 and is now the highest-paid player at the north London club.

That the 27-year-old is supposedly not happy with Tottenham not having enough first-team players and not making enough investment will open the door for Real Madrid to make a swoop.

There have been rumours in the Spanish media over the past few weeks that Madrid are planning to bid for Romero.

Fichajes and Defensa Central have been reporting Madrid’s desire to secure the services of the Argentina international centre-back, as Los Blancos aim to sign at least one new centre-back in the summer of 2026.

Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba are out of contract at Madrid at the end of the season, while Dean Huijsen is still only 20.

Romero is one of the best centre-backs in the world, and the World Cup winner with Argentina would be able to make an immediate impact at Madrid.

It’s been revealed that Tottenham Hotspur will not pull off the signing of a supremely talented Ligue 1 attacker on deadline day, although a deal for the summer remains very much on the cards.

It’s been a disappointing final day of the winter window for a Spurs side who are woefully short on numbers, due to a crippling injury list, as they currently deal with a tough run of fixtures.

Our insider, Fraser Fletcher, has been told by Tottenham sources that no further major incomings or outgoings are expected before the window closes at 7pm, news that will frustrate many fans after majority owners ENIC added £100million to the coffers to bolster Thomas Frank’s squad over the last four weeks.

Only Conor Gallagher and Souza have arrived, with planned moves for a new left-winger and striker hardly even taking off, despite those injury issues.

One player who has been heavily linked with a switch to north London throughout January has been Monaco star Maghnes Akliouche. Indeed, some reports suggested that a deal for the playmaker could have been completed before the window shut.

However, realistically, that was always a tall order, given Monaco’s stance on keeping the player until the summer and the premium it would take to land him.

The Independent’s Miguel Delaney reported that Monaco were also unprepared to let Akliouche leave unless a replacement was signed first, and now The Sun‘s Tom Barclay has taken to social media to rule out a late move for the 23-year-old.

DON’T MISS: Transfer news LIVE: Deadline day latest on Mateta, Phillips, Strand Larsen, Disasi, Jacquet and more…

Akliouche now a target for the summer

He revealed that the Monaco star was viewed as an alternative No.10 option to Xavi Simons last summer, although a move for the upcoming summer window should not be ruled out.

Barclay wrote on X: “Understand Tottenham will not be signing Magnes Akliouche. From what I’m led to believe, he was viewed as a secondary No 10 option to Xavi Simons in the summer. Yes, Spurs have been playing with two No 10s of late but I’m told they won’t be signing MA.”

Even looking ahead to a summer move for Akliouche, the fact that Maddison, Kulusveski, Bergvall and Kudus should all be back playing by then means Spurs could be overloaded with attacking options.

Akilouche also predominantly plays on the right, when he’s not lining up centrally, and it’s a left-sided option that Spurs need going forward.

To that end, it will be interesting to see if the club does indeed move for the Monaco man when so many of their first-team stars are back.

Juventus have been dealt a brutal Deadline Day setback after being informed that two of their priority attacking targets will not be leaving the Premier League, and all eyes are now on whether they move for an ultra-risky target whose agreed deal just collapsed.

The Serie A giants, who abandoned talks for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta earlier this month, had switched their focus to ambitious late swoops for Tottenham striker Randal Kolo Muani and Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee.

Both players were viewed as ideal fits for Max Allegri’s push to bolster his frontline before the window slammed shut.

However, senior sources at both Spurs and United have now confirmed to us that neither club will sanction a departure at this stage of the window, leaving Juve’s plans in tatters.

TEAMtalk has been told that Kolo Muani – who previously enjoyed a brief spell in Turin earlier in his career – was enthusiastic about returning to the Old Lady, believing the move would offer him a more prominent role and a chance to reignite his season.

The France international had made it clear he was open to the switch, but Tottenham’s hierarchy have refused to weaken their squad with no time to secure a replacement.

Zirkzee, meanwhile, has been pushing for a return to Italy after struggling for consistent minutes at Old Trafford.

The former Bologna star sees regular first‑team football as essential ahead of this year’s World Cup finals and was prepared to force the issue if United showed any willingness to negotiate.

But United have stood firm. Sources close to the club insist that interim boss Michael Carrick wants him as part of his attacking rotation and has no intention of letting him leave, even on loan.

With both Premier League clubs shutting the door, Juventus have been left scrambling for alternatives as the clock ticks down – and one avenue they’re exploring is an ultra-risky move for Jean-Philippe Mateta.

The Crystal Palace’s proposed move to AC Milan fell through on Monday afternoon. Mateta failed a medical over the weekend and upon conducting extensive further tests on Monday, Milan opted to call the move off.

However, Palace – who still want to sign Jorgen Strand Larsen from Wolves – are still hopeful a new solution can be found for Mateta despite the deadline fast approaching.

Any such exit will come in the loan form and Juventus are weighing up whether to pick up where Milan left off even despite the knee issue flagged up in Milan’s medical.

Want more breaking transfer lines from original sources? Add TEAMtalk as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust.

Latest Man Utd and Tottenham news

In other news, Man Utd tried and failed to hijack Liverpool’s £60m move for Jeremy Jacquet.

Elsewhere, Man Utd are turning their attention to what’s shaping up to be a monumental summer window and Sky Sports have confirmed a £100m-plus transfer is one of TWO huge moves planned.

Down in north London, we’ve been informed NO major arrivals or exits are expected in the final hours of the window. Accordingly, Spurs won’t be signing Andy Robertson from Liverpool, barring any last-minute changes, of course.

Tottenham Hotspur have made a late play to convince James Wilson to move to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, just hours after it emerged that Arsenal had opened talks for the Hearts striker to switch to the Emirates Stadium.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reported at 9:59am on February 2 that Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal were in talks with Hearts over a loan deal for Wilson, who has scored eight goals and given three assists in 45 appearances for the Scottish club’s first team so far in his carer.

Romano wrote on X: “EXCL: Arsenal open discussions with Hearts FC on Scottish talent James Wilson, 18 year old striker already capped for the National Team.

“Initial loan deal being discussed club to club.”

We now understand that Thomas Frank’s Tottenham have joined the race for Wilson and are now actively trying to secure his signature.

Sources have told TEAMtalk’s transfer correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, that Tottenham have made contact with Hearts as well as with Wilson’s representatives.

Sky Sports, too, have reported about Tottenham entering the race for Wilson, noting that the 18-year-old striker would be part of Spurs’ Under-21 squad should he make the switch.

However, we understand that Arsenal are still the favourites to sign Wilson, as things stand.

Wilson has made one start and five substitute appearances in the Scottish Premiership for Hearts so far this season.

The Scotland international striker is under contract at Hearts until the summer of 2027, with the club having the option to extend it by another year.

For Arsenal, too, it is unlikely that Wilson will be part of the Gunners’ first team straightaway.

It will be interesting to see which club Wilson chooses between Arsenal and Tottenham.

Want more breaking transfer lines from original sources? Add TEAMtalk as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust.

Latest Arsenal and Tottenham transfer news

Meanwhile, Arsenal have made a ‘deadline day bid’ for an English striker, who is out of contract at his current club at the end of the season.

Sources have told us whether Arsenal are truly interested in signing Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United.

Tottenham Hotspur have enquired about signing a Brazilian striker who left Real Madrid on loan for Ligue 1 in the January transfer window.

Tottenham Hotspur insider Alasdair Gold predicts that the club will make a ‘left-field’ signing on deadline day, although he fears that serious ‘questions will be asked’ if the club fail to strengthen an injury-stricken squad.

It’s been a disappointing winter window for Spurs so far, with only Conor Gallagher and teenage Brazilian left-back Souza brought in, while last season’s top scorer Brennan Johnson has departed and the club are in the midst of a damaging injury crisis.

As many as 11 first-team stars missed the dramatic 2-2 draw with Manchester City on Sunday, with the squad currently in a far worse state than at the start of the January window.

But Gold is expecting some last action from Tottenham, who normally love a bit of drama on deadline day, with several names being linked with a switch to north London.

Speculative reports from Spain claim that Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo could be on his way to Spurs, but it’s in the forward areas where Thomas Frank is currently struggling for numbers and could do with help.

As our very own Graeme Bailey has been reporting, representatives of Al-Nassr striker Jhon Duran are pushing to secure the Colombian a move back to England after a proposed switch to Lille collapsed at the final stage, with Tottenham, Leeds United and Nottingham Forest all in the mix for his signature.

Duran could very much be viewed as a left-field deal, with Gold revealing in his YouTube channel that he does expect something to happen on deadline day: “Spurs are going to have to get really creative. I think we’re going to get something left-field, something out of the woodwork is going to emerge.

“You’re going to see so many links with Spurs because people know that they’re looking for attacking players, so there’s going to be so many stories.

“There will be agents using Tottenham to get their players a move somewhere or just to get them a new contract. I just feel like something’s going to come out of left-field that none of us expected and a name that’s not been reported.”

That left-field option could also be highly-rated Monaco forward Maghnes Akliouche, although that deal is looking increasingly tougher to pull off. The Frenchman also operates on the right, which will not be a position of need for Spurs once the likes of Mohammed Kudus and Dejan Kulusevski return to action.

Transfer news LIVE: Deadline day latest on Strand Larsen, Mateta, Disasi, Tonali, Jacquet and more…

Toxic Tottenham atmosphere could get worse

However, if Tottenham do not bring in any new signings when the squad is so obviously struggling and the threat of being dragged into the relegation scrap still exists, then Gold fears for the mood around the club – which is already fairly toxic.

He added: “They’re going to have to pull something out of the bag in quite dramatic style really, otherwise questions are going to quite rightly be asked about the ambition and the planning behind this window.

“It’s a window where they’ve sold last season’s top scorer, spent the money on a central midfielder, brought in a 19-year-old left-back and suffered a billion injuries in the squad.

“The squad has not been improved as a whole.”

Want more breaking transfer lines from original sources? Add TEAMtalk as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust.

More Tottenham news: Real Madrid swoop; failed defender move

A stunning report out of Spain claims Tottenham and Leeds United have taken initial steps towards bringing a Real Madrid attacker to England, though the deal would be for the summer and not right now.

Elsewhere, West Ham are set to win the race for Chelsea star Axel Disasi despite Tottenham Hotspur showing interest in the defender on deadline day, TEAMtalk can confirm.

A stunning report out of Spain claims Tottenham and Leeds United have taken initial steps towards bringing a Real Madrid attacker to England, though the deal would be for the summer and not right now.

Leeds and Tottenham have both explored the striker market this window, and we understand the pair are among a cluster of clubs who’ve been offered Jhon Duran.

The Colombian’s intermediaries are attempting to cut Duran’s loan at Fenerbahce from Al-Nassr short and engineer a move back to the Premier League where he previously starred with Aston Villa.

The latest on that potential move can be found here, but according to a fresh update from Spanish outlet Fichajes, Duran isn’t the only high profile frontman linked with Spurs and Leeds.

It’s remarkably claimed both clubs – along with Sunderland – have made initial ‘enquiries’ into the signing of Endrick for the summer.

The Real Madrid striker joined Lyon on loan earlier this window and has made an instant impact in France.

The 19-year-old quickly bagged a hat-trick against Metz soon after joining, though Lyon do not hold an option to buy in their loan agreement.

Endrick will thus return to Madrid in the summer, but displacing Kylian Mbappe at the tip of the attack is an almost impossible task.

As such, Fichajes are suggesting Endrick could be loaned out once again in the summer, and this time, his loan would cover a full season and not just half a campaign.

That’s where the English sides come in, with the report claiming their interest is already ‘strong’ and bubbling away behind the scenes.

Of course, any such move would be dependant on Real Madrid sanctioning another loan, and a decision on that front will be made in the summer, not now.

Furthermore, Fabrizio Romano recently confirmed leading officials in Madrid are firm in the belief Endrick does have a long-term future at the Bernabeu.

As such, Real won’t allow for any option or obligation to buy to be inserted into a new loan, just as they didn’t when negotiating with Lyon.

Leeds and Tottenham would therefore only be signing the player on a temporary basis with no mechanism to turn the deal permanent.

But of course, if Endrick bangs the goals in for fun just as he’s doing at Lyon right now, the instant impact and effect on their seasons could override not being able to sign the Brazilian outright when the loan ends.

Want more breaking transfer lines from original sources? Add TEAMtalk as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust.

Latest Tottenham news – Deal OFF / Barcelona bid

In other news, Tottenham have blocked the transfer of one of their players to a London rival despite personal terms being agreed, and in truth, the move made very little sense to begin with.

Elsewhere, Spurs have reportedly made a deadline day offer to sign a top Barcelona star in the final hours of the winter window, as Thomas Frank looks to bolster a squad that is seemingly losing more bodies by the game.

Tottenham have reportedly made a deadline day offer to sign a top Barcelona star in the final hours of the winter window, as Thomas Frank looks to bolster a squad that is seemingly losing more bodies by the game.

Spurs came from behind to draw 2-2 with title-challenging Manchester City on Sunday, but that contest came at a cost with two-goal hero Dominic Solanke rolling his ankle, while skipper Cristian Romero was forced off at half-time with an illness that he carried over from the Champions League win over Eintracht Frankfurt.

Add in the fact that James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Mohammed Kudus, Richarlison, Rodrigo Bentancur, Lucas Bergvall, Micky van de Ven, Kevin Danso, Ben Davies, Pedro Porro and Djed Spence were all on the sidelines against City. and it’s a full-blown injury crisis for a Tottenham side who are on the brink of being dragged into the relegation scrap.

To that end, bringing in a couple of signings on deadline day would be a massive help to Frank, who admitted after the City draw that the club are looking to strike some deals, telling reporters: “We are active, no doubt about that. If something happens, let’s see.”

That “let’s see” could well be Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araujo, according to the latest reports emerging from Spain.

The 26-year-old Uruguay international has been heavily linked with a switch to the Premier League for a number of years, and now Spanish outlet Fichajes, who are known for being a little loose with the truth, claim that Barcelona have received an ‘offer’ from Tottenham worth €35m (£30m) to sign the defender on deadline.

The report adds: ‘The proposal is structured as a fixed fee of €30 million plus €5 million in add-ons, a formula that FC Barcelona is already analysing internally.’

Araujo has not been at his best this season but has still made 19 appearances for a Barca side who currently top LaLiga and have already qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League.

DON’T MISS: Transfer news LIVE: Deadline day latest on Tonali, Strand Larsen, Mateta, Disasi, Jacquet and more…

Fichajes adds that Tottenham’s interest ‘has now materialized with a formal offer’ and that the north London club are hoping the Catalan side ‘might be tempted to accept due to their current financial situation’.

The report continues: ‘The potential departure of Ronald Araujo is causing internal division. Part of the club believes that letting go of a center-back of his age could be a significant sporting risk. Others believe FC Barcelona should be pragmatic.’

One to watch potentially over the course of deadline day.

Want more breaking transfer lines from original sources? Add TEAMtalk as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust.

Duran swoop; Romero exit

Jhon Duran’s representatives are scrambling to secure him a move to England on Monday after a proposed switch to Lille collapsed at the final stage, leaving the striker’s future wide open heading into deadline day and Tottenham in the mix for his signature, TEAMtalk understands.

West Ham are set to win the race for Chelsea star Axel Disasi despite Tottenham Hotspur showing interest in the defender on deadline day, TEAMtalk can confirm.

The Hammers have been pursuing a deal for the five-time capped France international for some time as Nuno Espirito Santo looks to bring in crucial defensive reinforcements.

Disasi, 27, hasn’t made a single competitive appearance this season. He was not in Enzo Maresca’s plans, and his situation hasn’t changed since Liam Rosenior’s appointment as Chelsea manager, despite returning to first-team training.

West Ham have been pushing to win the race, but they have faced significant competition.

We revealed earlier today that Tottenham have explored a last-ditch move for Disasi amid their defensive injuries, while Serie A clubs AC Milan and Fiorentina registered firm interest.

However, we can confirm that Disasi has now green-lit a move to West Ham and is set to undergo a medical ahead of officially completing a switch to the London Stadium.

The breakthrough comes after the Hammers suffered a blow in their pursuit of another defender – Southampton centre-back Taylor Harwood-Bellis – who is set to remain at St Mary’s for the season.

Disasi will join West Ham on a straight loan deal, and will provide important cover at centre-back and right-back for Nuno, and fight for a place in the starting XI.

The Hammers’ pursuit of Disasi took on increased importance after centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo received a red card for violent conduct against Chelsea on Saturday.

Todibo now faces a three-game ban and this hands an opportunity to Disasi to potentially nail down his spot in the team immediately.

Disasi’s signing could prove to be vital for West Ham, as they fight to avoid relegation.

They currently sit third-bottom of the Premier League table – six points adrift from safety.

Want more breaking transfer lines from original sources? Add TEAMtalk as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust.

Latest West Ham news: Kinsky deal OFF…

Meanwhile, West Ham’s move to sign Tottenham goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky on loan, with an option to buy, has dramatically collapsed, with Spurs choosing to ‘abort’ the deal in a late twist.

Tottenham have blocked the transfer of one of their players to a London rival despite personal terms being agreed, and in truth, the move made very little sense to begin with.

Tottenham have been one of the busier Premier League sides this month, making moves for the likes of Souza and Conor Gallagher.

There’s been no shortage of interest in Spurs players too, with the club attempting to bat away approaches for Mathys Tel and Randal Kolo Muani, to name just two.

Another heavily linked with leaving was back-up goalkeeper, Antonin Kinsky.

To the surprise of many, West Ham agreed personal terms with the Czech stopper whose departure would have necessitated Spurs going into the market for a direct replacement.

A six-month loan that potentially contained an option to buy was under discussion between the clubs.

However, multiple sources including The Athletic have now confirmed Tottenham have pulled the plug. In doing so, they’ve also removed the need to go out and a buy a new back-up keeper in the final hours before tonight’s 7pm deadline.

The Athletic reported: ‘One of the strangest stories of the window comes to an end: Antonin Kinsky will not be moving to West Ham and will not be leaving Tottenham during this window.

‘It would have made little sense for Spurs. Kinsky is an established backup. Had they allowed him to leave, that would have created the need to sign a replacement.

‘In addition, with Spurs able to make three changes to their Champions League squad ahead of the knockout stages, it would have made little sense for one of them to be (unnecessarily) used on a second-choice goalkeeper.’

Want more breaking transfer lines from original sources? Add TEAMtalk as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust.

Latest Tottenham news – Jhon Duran…

In other news, Jhon Duran’s representatives are scrambling to secure him a move to England on Monday after a proposed switch to Lille collapsed at the final stage, leaving the striker’s future wide open heading into deadline day, TEAMtalk understands.

Jhon Duran’s representatives are scrambling to secure him a move to England on Monday after a proposed switch to Lille collapsed at the final stage, leaving the striker’s future wide open heading into deadline day, TEAMtalk understands.

Duran make a huge impact during his short time in the Premier League, scoring 20 times, largely off the bench and showing himself to be a real impact player for Aston Villa. But when they were offered a huge £71m package to sell the Colombian to Al-Nassr, club bosses decided it was an offer too good to refuse.

Since then, however, little has gone right for Duran and we revealed over the weekend that Duran had been offered to a number of clubs across Europe as they look to kickstart the 22-year-old’s career.

Now, fresh information indicates intermediaries are once again working around the clock to find a suitable landing spot for Duran, who is available to move on loan and with his current side Fenerbahce, where he is currently spending the season, making it clear he can leave before the window shuts.

Duran remains contracted to Al‑Nassr, but a return to Saudi Arabia has been ruled out entirely, meaning his camp are pushing hard to engineer a move elsewhere.

Sources can reveal that Duran has made it clear he wants to return to England and he has told his representatives that is his preferred destination as we enter the final hours of the transfer deadline.

Off the back of that, we can confirm that Tottenham, Nottingham Forest and Leeds United — all contacted last week — have been re‑approached and reminded of the opportunity to take him as the clock ticks down.

There is no questioning Duran’s talent, but clubs have so far shown reluctance to commit, with concerns around fitness and the timing of the deal raising red flags.

However, with the deadline looming and squads reassessing their options, those stances could shift quickly on Monday as the market tightens.

Should an English move fail to materialise, sources indicate Russian giants Zenit St Petersburg are prepared to step in and take Duran before the window closes.

His camp, though, remains hopeful of securing the Premier League switch he wants, but all avenues remain open as a frantic final day approaches.

Want more breaking transfer lines from original sources? Add TEAMtalk as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust.

Leeds await Strand Larsen developments; Tottenham may need a new striker

For Leeds, much will depend on the final outcome of their much-publicised pursuit of Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen.

The Whites have seen an offer still sat on the table worth £39m (after add-ons), though Wolves have preferred to negotiate with Crystal Palace, who have offered a bigger package.

However, the Eagles cannot pounce until they sell Jean-Philippe Mateta. The French striker is closing on a move to AC Milan but they have concerns over a knee injury that has shown up in his medical. As a result, the Italian side could look to restructure the deal, but if Palace decide against it, that will leave Strand Larsen’s situation back up in the air.

As for Tottenham, they continue to have concerns over Dominic Solanke, who rolled his ankle in Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Manchester City.

With Dane Scarlett off to Hibs, that just leaves Randal Kolo Muani as an option, but with the Frenchman yet to open his Premier League account, Thomas Frank’s side could look to beef up their options before the window shuts.