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A new report has shed light on what Tottenham Hotspur are thinking about Cristian Romero’s future amidst widespread transfer interest in their captain.

Romero took aim at the Tottenham hierarchy following the closure of the January transfer window, which is not the first time he has publicly had a go at his employers.

Since then, it has emerged from various sources that Romero has decided to exit the North London club at the end of this season.

It was reported last month that Spurs had moved to reassure their captain about their summer ambitions and their desire to compete at the top, but a new report has suggested that the club may have now come to a different conclusion.

Tottenham willing to sell Cristian Romero this summer

A new report in The Telegraph has now revealed that the Lilywhites may be coming around to the idea that it is time to part ways with the centre-back.

The report says that Spurs see Romero as an important player in their fight to preserve their Premier League status in the upcoming nine league games.

However, there is thought to be a growing belief at the club that it may be best for both Romero and Spurs to go their separate ways at the end of this campaign.

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Which clubs are after Romero?

According to various sources, Atletico Madrid are ready to pounce on Romero after failing with a move for the centre-back last summer.

Barcelona are also big fans of Romero, but they may have to resort to offering their players to Spurs as a part of the deal as they may not be able to meet the Premier League club’s asking price.

Diego Simeone has revealed who he thinks are the favourites in the Champions League round of 16 clash between Tottenham Hotspur and Atletico Madrid.

Spurs travel to the Spanish capital for the first leg with the prospect of relegation from the Premier League hanging over them.

The Lilywhites may have bigger fish to fry domestically, but Igor Tudor may see the clash against Atletico as an opportunity to beat a top side and instil some confidence in the Tottenham squad.

While Tottenham are on the verge of being in the relegation zone, the La Liga side are sitting third in the table, and many would thus consider the Rojiblancos as heavy favourites.

Diego Simeone says Atletico Madrid are not favourites against Tottenham

However, Simeone pushed back against the idea that his team are expected to win, pointing out that Tottenham finished 4th in the league phase of the Champions League and qualified directly to the R16.

When asked if Atletico go into the tie as favourites, the Argentine said (via Into the Calderon): “I don’t know what it’s related to, if it’s related to the fact that they made it to the round of 16, finishing where they did, which was fourth. We’re not really favourites. If you want to relate it to their form, it’s up to you how you want to write about it or how you want to convey it to your audience.”

Simeone revealed that he expects Igor Tudor’s side to be positive and play on the frontfoot in Madrid.

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He added about Tuesday’s fixture: “We don’t know how Tottenham will start the game. We know their characteristics, I know the coach. He (Igor Tudor) has always played with an offensive mindset with the teams he has been with, regardless of the formation he has used. And, well, we’ll see tomorrow. As we always say, you imagine a lot of situations that, obviously, the players on the field can change.”

Simeone makes admission ahead of Conor Gallagher reunion

The Atletico boss will come up against a very familiar face, having managed Conor Gallagher for 18 months before his switch to Spurs in January.

Simeone had a lot of positive things to say about Gallagher ahead of the midfielder’s return to the Metropolitano Stadium.

When asked about the Tottenham midfielder, the Atleti boss said: “He’s a guy who worked with a lot of humility since he came to us. He’s a hard worker. He’s a player who is very dangerous coming in from the second line.

“He’s a player who can play in different positions because of the collective work he does for the team. He’s a guy who has behaved very well, and we have very fond memories of his time at Atlético Madrid.”

Richarlison’s long-term future at Tottenham Hotspur continues to generate speculation, with fresh reports suggesting the Brazilian forward could finally move on when the transfer window reopens.

Brazilian forward Richarlison is one player who has often found his name involved in transfer speculation in recent years.

However, he has remained a Spurs player throughout it all, yet the rumours have refused to disappear heading into the summer.

Richarlison has attempted to pour cold water on several reports linking him with a move away from Tottenham, but that has done little to stop the speculation.

Richarlison is expected to leave Spurs in summer window

The Brazilian is enjoying a productive season, although he has had to deal with injuries at different points.

Eight goals in the Premier League – the most of any Tottenham player – is impressive, and he is set to play a role in Spurs’ push for survival this campaign.

Whether Tottenham secure their league status or not remains to be seen, but according to a report from AS, that will have little bearing on Richarlison’s future.

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The publication claims the Brazilian is expected to leave Tottenham in the summer, with a transfer possibly happening after the World Cup.

Plenty of clubs are keen on Richarlison

Richarlison has, in recent months, been linked with several sides across Europe, the Middle East and South America.

There have been reports suggesting the Spurs number nine is attracting interest from clubs in the Middle East, although Richarlison has refuted those claims.

Tottenham Hotspur’s battle to avoid an unthinkable relegation has sparked serious concern, with Jermain Defoe now fearing the worst if results do not quickly improve.

Unfortunately for Tottenham Hotspur, relegation is now a very real prospect with nine games left to play in the Premier League.

Spurs find themselves in 16th place in the table, and their 3-1 defeat against Crystal Palace on Thursday night saw their four-point lead over 18th-placed West Ham United cut to just a single point.

It is now crucial for Tottenham to start picking up wins, especially with their relegation rivals showing far better form and fighting spirit.

Defoe fears relegation for Tottenham

Former Spurs forward Jermain Defoe has now admitted relegation would be catastrophic for Tottenham.

Speaking to SunSport, Defoe explained how damaging relegation would be for a club of Tottenham’s stature before outlining the different pressures players face when battling at the wrong end of the table.

“It would be catastrophic, to be fair, if the club got relegated. “A massive club like Tottenham – you look at the infrastructure and everything that comes about.

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“I have been in both situations. Of course, the pressure of trying to win the league or finish in the top four is a lot of pressure.

“But I do feel like it is maybe a different type of pressure [at the bottom] when you have maybe not experienced something like this before. It is going to be tough.”

Defoe was also asked whether the current Spurs squad have the hunger and fight required for a relegation battle, and he insisted the players must find it quickly if results do not improve.

“The players have got that. If they did not have that, they would not have achieved what they have in terms of being young kids and growing up to play at this level.

“You need a little bit of fight about you – and if you have not got it, you are going to have to find it because it is going to be difficult.

“The reality is you are in a relegation fight. If you do not win football matches, and teams in and around you start winning, then you are in trouble.”

Champions League form offers contrast to Premier League struggles

Spurs might be struggling badly for form in the Premier League, but in Europe they have produced far stronger performances.

They finished fourth in the league phase and will travel to Atletico Madrid next week for the first leg of their last-16 tie.

Defoe also highlighted the stark contrast between Tottenham’s European campaign and their domestic struggles, while pointing to injuries as a major factor behind their difficult season.

“It is like one extreme to another. The Champions League is obviously so big for the football club. But at the same time, I would love to stand here and say Tottenham are not in a relegation fight – but they are.

“The club has not experienced this before. These players have probably never experienced this before. There are some top players there.

“All the injuries they have had this season… it is key to get some of those back from now to the end of the season. Hopefully, they can help this team win games.

“But it is going to be difficult. When I look at the West Ham performances, they have improved so much under Nuno.

“They have got a little bit of fight, a little bit of spirit and momentum. Leeds are the same, Forest are the same.”

Tottenham Hotspur face a daunting Champions League trip to Atletico Madrid, and Igor Tudor has several major decisions to make as Spurs prepare for the first leg in Spain. Let’s take a look at our predicted Tottenham XI.

Igor Tudor will be hoping that playing in a new competition can spark his Tottenham side into life, given their Premier League struggles, with attention now turning to the Champions League.

However, in Europe and at this stage of the competition, securing a victory is never easy, given the quality of opposition.

Spurs take on Spanish side Atletico Madrid on Tuesday in the round of 16 of the Champions League at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.

It is the first of two legs, and Spurs will hope to keep things tight before welcoming Atleti to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Tudor has a few big calls to make ahead of this encounter, and we have attempted to predict how the Croat might line up.

Dominic Solanke and Cristian Romero expected to start

Goalkeeper – Guglielmo Vicario: The Italian is yet to keep a clean sheet under Igor Tudor, having conceded nine goals in his last three outings. There were rumours before the Crystal Palace game that Vicario could have been dropped, but he started. It remains to be seen if that remains the case here.

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Right-back – Pedro Porro: The Spaniard was deployed as a centre-back on Thursday night, but we expect him to be used in his preferred wing-back role on the right.

Centre-back – Kevin Danso: The defender completed a full ninety minutes for the first time since his return from injury. We expect Igor Tudor to set up with a back three, which should see Danso start.

Centre-back – Micky van de Ven: The Dutchman let his side down with his sending-off against Crystal Palace, but the suspension does not affect the Champions League, so he should start here.

Centre-back – Cristian Romero: He has completed his Premier League suspension, and this encounter will serve as his first appearance since the Manchester United sending-off and his first game under Igor Tudor. It is a big game, and we expect the Spurs boss to get him up to speed quickly.

Left-back – Djed Spence: He has missed the last two games because of injury, but Igor Tudor stated Spence will be back for this tie, so he should start on the left.

Pivot midfielder – Joao Palhinha: Spurs will be looking to keep things tight in midfield since they are away from home, which should see Palhinha start.

Centre midfielder – Conor Gallagher: It will be his first return to his former side since his move in January. The Englishman has experience playing in these sorts of games, which should give him an edge over the rest of Spurs’ midfielders.

Centre midfielder – Archie Gray: The teenager has shown plenty of fight and spirit in a Tottenham shirt in recent weeks while playing out of position. This time, however, we expect him to be used in midfield.

Number ten – Xavi Simons: The Dutchman was handed a rest against Crystal Palace, but we expect him to return to the starting XI here.

Striker – Dominic Solanke: He found his scoring boots against Crystal Palace with a striker’s finish. Igor Tudor will be hoping for more of the same in Spain on Tuesday.

Liverpool defender Andrew Robertson has addressed speculation linking him to a move away from Anfield, shedding light on discussions during the winter transfer window.

Reports from the winter window suggested Tottenham Hotspur were keen to secure the services of Liverpool full-back Andrew Robertson.

Interest in the Scotsman rose following Ben Davies’ injury, which left Tottenham short of options on the left side of the defence.

Liverpool themselves were reportedly open to letting Robertson go, with a modest fee said to have been set as the asking price.

However, the full-back remained at Anfield, with reports claiming the club’s inability to secure a replacement prevented a sale.

Robertson admits talks were held with Tottenham

Andrew Robertson has now shared what really happened during the winter transfer window that prevented a move to interested clubs, including Spurs.

Speaking in an interview relayed by the Mirror, the Liverpool defender addressed the discussions that took place and explained why he ultimately chose to remain at Anfield.

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“There was obviously interest there – there were discussions had with both sets of clubs,” Robertson said.

“But the decision was that I wanted to stay. We stayed at Liverpool and that was the decision made.

“I was never not committed. I have been committed to Liverpool for the last eight and a half or nine years now and I will be committed until I am no longer needed. That has always been my mindset. This club has given me everything and I have given this club everything.

“It has been a fantastic relationship, so hopefully that continues and obviously January happened, but it is now gone. Now we move forward and, like I said, my focus never came off trying to help the lads on the pitch and in training.

“Whatever was happening behind the scenes happened, and all I can say is that I kept focusing on football.”

Spurs-linked Andrew Robertson hints at Liverpool contract decision

Robertson also hinted at the prospect of extending his stay at Anfield beyond this summer, having previously been linked with several options as he weighs up his future.

Discussing the situation, Robertson explained that conversations about his future remain private between him and Liverpool.

He continued: “I have always said that the talks will stay between me and the club. I do not think it will get played out in public. It is not one of them. I have got an amazing relationship with Richard Hughes and with Mike Gordon and Michael Edwards.

“I have had a good relationship with these people and these people brought me to the football club. They have helped make me who I am, so in that respect we have had a fantastic relationship. I think out of respect to them, and they have respected me, the conversations will be in-house.

“When a decision is made, and we are getting to the point where I only have three months left on my contract, it will be announced to you guys.”

Tottenham Hotspur’s struggles on the pitch could soon create serious problems off it, with one key player attracting interest from a Premier League side should Spurs suffer the unthinkable this season.

Tottenham Hotspur’s struggles on the pitch could lead to even worse outcomes off it heading into the summer transfer window.

There is no denying that, should Spurs go down, they will struggle to keep some of their better players, especially with sides across Europe and the Premier League circling.

Despite the poor form, a few players have impressed for Tottenham, including Dominic Solanke, who has managed five goals in 14 appearances since returning from a six-month injury absence in January.

Dominic Solanke emerges as Newcastle United transfer target

The Daily Mail have reported that Dominic Solanke is emerging as a potential summer target for Newcastle United.

The Magpies currently have several options up front with Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade, but that will not prevent Eddie Howe’s men from making a move for the Englishman.

It is explained that Newcastle are facing a summer of change and is assessing potential additions at striker, with Will Osula wanted by several clubs, including Crystal Palace and Aston Villa.

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Spurs keen to keep Solanke despite growing transfer interest

Spurs, on the other hand, are said to be keen on keeping Solanke in north London even if they go down this season.

However, that will be difficult for the Lilywhites to achieve, as the striker is expected to be in demand this summer.

Atletico Madrid have received a major boost for the clash at home against Tottenham in the Champions League round of 16.

The return of Champions League action is not likely to excite Spurs fans too much, given that the spectre of relegation is now hanging over the club.

In fact, when asked about the Champions League draw last week, Tudor insisted that every league game Tottenham have left is a ‘final’, which perhaps shows where his focus is.

However, it is no doubt a huge occasion for Spurs to be returning to the Metropolitano Stadium, where they lost the Champions League final in 2019.

Key Atletico Madrid star fit for Tottenham clash

It is being reported by AS that Atletico are expected to be boosted by the return of one of their key men for the clash against the Lilywhites.

Midfielder Pablo Barrios, who has been out of action for a month with a thigh problem, has recovered well, and tests have confirmed that he is ready to return to competitive action.

Barrios, who has been a key fixture in the middle of the park for Diego Simeone’s men this term, is expected to train with the team following their weekend clash against Real Sociedad.

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The 22-year-old will have just one training session with his teammates before the Champions League first leg, but AS are confident that he will be named in Atletico’s starting eleven against Tottenham.

Spurs have made Igor Tudor decision ahead of Atletico clash

Igor Tudor may have walked into the Tottenham job less than three weeks ago, but he is already a man under pressure.

He has been unable to get a response from this depleted Spurs squad so far, with the Lilywhites turning in poor performances in three back-to-back London derbies.

However, it has been claimed by journalist Tom Barclay that Tudor will take the pre-match press conference on Monday ahead of the first leg against Atletico.

That suggests that the North Londoners have no intention of sacking the Croat before the clash in the Spanish capital.

Opta have revealed how likely Tottenham Hotspur are to go down this season as they continue to get closer to the drop zone.

Even until a few weeks ago, one could have been mistaken for an extreme alarmist for suggesting that Tottenham could go down this season.

However, the latest rounds of results in the Premier League have left Spurs just one point off the drop zone and it is now clear to everyone that relegation is now more than just a distinct possibility for the Lilywhites.

Tottenham’s 3-1 loss to Crystal Palace has extended their winless run in the Premier League to 11 matches, and Spurs fans are now wondering where the club’s next win is going to come from.

Tottenham are still highly likely to avoid relegation

However, the predictions of Opta’s Supercomputer should give Tottenham fans some hope ahead of their final nine league games of the season.

Even though Spurs’ form shows few signs of improving, the data analysis platform suggests the North Londoners only have a 16.1 per cent chance of actually going down.

In contrast, Nottingham Forest have been given a 26.8 per cent chance of being relegated, while West Ham have been given a 49.5 per cent chance of finishing in the bottom three.

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How many points do Spurs need to secure their Premier League status?

According to Opta’s calculations, 38 points are expected to be enough for clubs to avoid going down to the Championship.

That means that Tottenham have to find three more wins from somewhere in their next nine fixtures, which may be a hard ask, given the team’s current trajectory.

Joe Hart was not a fan of what one senior Tottenham Hotspur man did during the club’s 3-1 loss to Crystal Palace.

Tottenham fell to yet another home defeat on Thursday, this time to a struggling Palace side, mainly thanks to Micky van de Ven’s red card in the first half.

The game was as good as done at half-time despite Spurs taking the lead, with the Eagles scoring three late goals at the end of the half.

An incident which happened in the second period caught the attention of a former Tottenham player, who felt it was indicative of what we have seen from the Spurs squad all campaign.

Pedro Porro failed to set an example for his Tottenham teammates

Pedro Porro was replaced by Xavi Simons in the 74th minute as the home side tried to throw caution to the wind.

The Spaniard was not too pleased when he came off, and Hart has accused the right-back of losing his head and lacking the control that was expected of a senior man.

The former Tottenham goalkeeper told TNT Sports: “He has smashed everything on the bench. He gave the fourth official a real earful. It was a real head loss.”

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“He’s obviously an emotional character; you can’t put it on. There’s fire that runs through him, and that’s probably when he gets the best out of himself. But you’ve got to also control that. He’s such an important player for Tottenham, and he has to set an example in these difficult times.

Hart accuses the Spurs players of making emotional decisions

The pundit suggested that Porro’s outburst was in line with the erratic behaviour we have seen from the Tottenham squad all season.

He suggested that there has been too much chaos at Tottenham, with the club lacking the kind of characters who can calm down their teammates.

Hart added: “It’s one thing that surprised me under Thomas Frank, that it has seemed like chaos ensues all the time. Emotional decisions are being made all over the pitch. You do need players like that in your squad, but the best squads have the best balance.

“They’re able to check each other when someone is losing it. You need someone in the team able to give you a slap and say, ‘calm down, we’ve got big moments ahead, it’s not about you’.”