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Cristian Romero faces an uncertain future at Tottenham Hotspur, and Atletico Madrid appear to be circling north London like a vulture.

Tottenham Hotspur appear to be preparing for the potential departure of Cristian Romero. The 28-year-old defender has been heavily linked with a move to Atletico Madrid for a while now as Diego Simeone looks to bolster his backline.

According to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, as quoted by Sport Witness, the Lilywhites have softened their stance on Romero, slashing his price tag from €70m to €30m (£60.3m to £25.9m). The report claims that the 'considerable reduction' suddenly makes him available to Atletico Madrid, a year after an enquiry was snubbed by Spurs.

As it stands, it remains unclear whether Johan Lange would accept such a fee, but Tottenham are said to have accepted that it's now 'best to end his time' in north London. In March, Diego Simeone fanned the flames by revealing that he's a 'big fan' of Romero.

Speaking to reporters ahead of Los Colchoneros' clash against the Lilywhites in the second leg of the Champions League last-16, he said: "I speak from a point of view as an Argentina fan.

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"I admire his personality, his character, his defensive work and his football ability on the ball. As a fan of Argentina, I have seen him play more games for the national team than I have for Spurs, but I'm a big fan of him, for sure."

Then, after the game, Romero was quizzed on a potential transfer to Atletico. Speaking to Olé in the mixed zone, the Argentine downplayed speculation but refused to rule out a move to the Metropolitano.

"The truth is, I’m focused on the situation we’re in. I have a lot of respect and affection for the club, and I want to finish the season in the best way possible," he said. "We’ll see later, but the most important thing now is to recharge."

At the end of last season, the Tottenham captain sparked doubt over his future when he jetted off to Argentina for medical treatment on a knee injury that he had been nursing. Romero was heavily scrutinised when it was reported that he would miss the final game of the Premier League campaign and instead watch his boyhood club, Belgrano, face River Plate in the Primera Division final on the same day.

Following backlash, Romero returned to north London to watch his side defeat Everton and seal top-flight status. Speaking to football.london at the time, Ciro Palermo claimed his client had no intention of missing the relegation showdown.

The defender's agent also insisted that he remains committed to the club. A week or so earlier, however, Roberto De Zerbi couldn't guarantee that Romero would still be at Tottenham next season.

Ahead of the defeat at Stamford Bridge, the Spurs boss told reporters: "First of all now the focus is Chelsea. Second point, Romero is a great player, and the most important is the behaviour and how much the player wants to stay in this club.

"We are going to take all the decisions after this season and after the Everton game..."

Tottenham have paused their search for a new sporting director until the end of the summer transfer window, with chief executive Vinai Venkatesham confirming it is no longer a key priority this summer

Tottenham's pursuit of a new sporting director has been placed on hold until the conclusion of the summer transfer window, according to minutes from a recent Fan Advisory Board (FAB) meeting.

Spurs appointed Fabio Paratici last October to work alongside Johan Lange in a dual sporting director structure, but the Italian departed the Premier League club in February to return to his homeland for personal reasons.

A replacement sporting director had been earmarked for this summer, yet during a meeting with the FAB on 16 June, chief executive Vinai Venkatesham confirmed the matter was no longer an immediate priority.

Lange, head coach Roberto De Zerbi and Rafi Moersen, who has joined as director of football operations, are overseeing the club's recruitment activity during this transfer window.

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When quizzed on the sporting director search, Venkatesham stated in the FAB meeting minutes: "The club has confidence in our people, but if we find someone who can complement our existing team and make it better, we will do that at the right time (and in a summer window is not that time).

"No-one has been in a process and turned us down. Many names in the media linked with us, we have never even spoken to."

A broad range of subjects were addressed throughout the meeting. Non-executive chairman Peter Charrington and Venkatesham both described the 2025-26 season as "unacceptable" following Spurs' narrow escape from relegation courtesy of a final-day victory over Everton.

Charrington also stated that every decision taken at Tottenham was "judged by the metric, 'Does this make us a better football team?'".

In the meeting minutes, Venkatesham described the season as "unacceptable and cannot happen again", adding that "the ambition is to compete for major trophies and play the style of football our supporters want to see".

Venkatesham also mounted a robust defence of the embattled Lange, who has borne the brunt of supporter criticism following Tottenham's 17th-place finishes across both of the Dane's full seasons at the helm.

"Players are not bought or sold because 'the club' wants to or 'Roberto' wants to," he said. "Johan and his team work hand in glove with Roberto to develop and deliver a joint plan.

"Roberto joined because he believes in what we can do together as a team. He had no retention bonus, he has never asked for control over any decision-making, and he was completely committed to the club if we were relegated.

"Johan played a critical role in his appointment. Roberto was always the number one choice and we are delighted with the impact he has made so far."

It was further disclosed that newly appointed director of football operations Moersen commenced his role on 16 June, following a period of garden leave after departing City Football Group.

During the FAB meeting, Moersen outlined his responsibilities: "(My) remit includes recruitment, player transactions, infrastructure, player care and responsibility for the women's team."

Former Manchester City executive Moersen also stressed "the importance of player welfare, relationship-building and improving football outcomes" during the meeting, which took place on his first day at the club.

The Tottenham Hotspur head coach has made it clear to the attacker that he is not part of his plans for the coming season

Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi has told Manor Solomon that he is not part of his plans for the season ahead and that he can leave the club, football.london understands.

The 26-year-old winger has played just six competitive matches for Spurs since arriving in 2023, with three different loan moves after a knee injury in his first season at the club. However, Solomon held out some hope that his former Shakhtar Donetsk coach De Zerbi might have need of him in his overhauled squad next season.

That has not come to pass though with De Zerbi informing Solomon that his future lies elsewhere and Spurs will try to find the Israel international, who has two years left on his contract, a new club this summer.

Solomon arrived on a free transfer from Shakhtar in the summer of 2023, after a loan season at Fulham, as an addition to Ange Postecoglou's squad but after a bright start and two assists against Burnley, he suffered a knee injury in training six weeks into the new season.

That ruled him out for the rest of the campaign and the following summer he was sent out on a season-long loan to then Championship side Leeds United. Solomon impressed and racked up 10 goals and 13 assists in 41 matches while playing a pivotal role in helping Daniel Farke's side win promotion to the Premier League.

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Many expected Leeds to try to make his move a permanent one that following transfer window but instead Solomon was left at Spurs until the final day of the summer window. A loan move to Crystal Palace fell through despite a deal sheet being put through to the Premier League as the Eagles pulled out of the deal and instead Tottenham found the winger a late switch to Villarreal.

That brought just one La Liga start though and in the winter window a new loan was agreed for him to join struggling Italian side Fiorentina. Around a thigh injury in March, Solomon did play 16 times for the Florence side and helped them remain in Serie A with two goals and one assist, along with an assist in their Conference League quarter-final second leg win against Crystal Palace.

Now the winger will be looking for another new club this summer as the door at Spurs remains closed.

Tottenham Hotspur have already been busy in the transfer window and are reportedly targeting Newcastle's Sandro Tonali and Manchester United's Marcus Rashford

Tottenham Hotspur could field a markedly different side at the start of the new season. Manager Roberto De Zerbi has wasted no time in rebuilding his squad after fighting for Premier League survival last term.

The Spurs boss was candid about the need for summer signings on the final day of the campaign. "I think we have now to change too many players," De Zerbi admitted. "We have 10, 11, 12 players good enough to stay."

The club have seized the initiative in the transfer window, swooping in for Liverpool legend Andy Robertson and Bournemouth star Marcos Senesi as free agents. Jan Paul van Hecke has also reunited with his former Brighton boss De Zerbi after the defender sealed his £52million move.

Spurs’ transfer business is far from done as the club saw an £80m bid rejected for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali and have also been linked with England forward Marcus Rashford. Here is a look at how De Zerbi’s side could potentially line up if Tottenham land those marquee targets.

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In goal, Guglielmo Vicario could keep his place between the sticks. Antonin Kinsky impressed in the Italian’s absence last season but Vicario should still be considered first-choice. The 29-year-old has been linked with a return to Italy, though, given the changes being made in other areas of the team, De Zerbi may opt to keep Vicario to avoid overhauling another part of his side.

Pedro Porro will keep his spot at right-back as the Spain international recently signed a new long-term contract with the club. On the opposite flank, Destiny Udogie should start the season in the team, but will be aware that the experienced Andy Robertson is waiting to take his place.

Jan Paul van Hecke is the first new signing to appear in this starting XI after being sought out by De Zerbi. The 26-year-old will be expected to immediately slot in as the right-sided centre-back, casting doubt over Cristian Romero’s place within the squad.

He could form a formidable partnership with compatriot Micky van de Ven . The Dutchman has been linked with a summer exit and keeping hold of the defender would be another statement of intent from Tottenham.

In midfield, Sandro Tonali's arrival at Spurs would truly underline the club’s ambition to get back among the Champions League places next term. ChronicleLive has reported that Spurs’ £80m offer was rejected as Newcastle value the midfielder at around £100m.

If Tottenham meet Newcastle’s valuation and fight off rival interest in Tonali, he could slot in alongside Conor Gallagher in the middle of the park. The 26-year-old regularly featured under De Zerbi last season and could have the licence to be a box-to-box player next to Tonali, though Spurs have several other midfielders also jostling for position.

James Maddison was sorely missed in attacking midfield before overcoming his injury issues last season and will be keen to make up for lost time. Similarly, Dejan Kulusevski would be a new option for De Zerbi on the right wing when the forward returns to fitness.

Marcus Rashford would be another marquee signing for Spurs, following his eye-catching loan spell at Barcelona. The i paper reports that Spurs are unwilling to meet a £40m clause for the Manchester United forward, who is claimed to prefer a move abroad, but completing a deal for the 28-year-old would be another sign of De Zerbi’s ambition.

Up front, Dominic Solanke remains Tottenham’s top striker. The forward is another who will hope to get back to his best next term after an injury-hit campaign.

Overall, Van Hecke’s £52m move should bolster Spurs’ defence and he is already accustomed to De Zerbi’s style of play. However, it is through signing £100m-rated Tonali and meeting the reported £40m price for Rashford that Tottenham can re-establish themselves as contenders for a Champions League spot after finishing 17th for consecutive seasons.

Thomas Partey is in the Ghana team taking on England in the World Cup on Tuesday night with both teams looking to seal their place in the knockout stages

Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey received the customary pre-match handshakes from England players moments before Tuesday night's World Cup fixture kicked off. However, Tottenham Hotspur full-back Djed Spence chose not to shake his hand.

There was initially speculation over whether England's players, including former Arsenal team-mate Declan Rice, would shake Partey's hand, but it was reported over the weekend that they would.

Partey missed Ghana's opener against Panama after being denied entry into Canada after wrongly telling officials he had never been arrested or charged with a crime while filling out his visa application.

He appealed the verdict, but last week in an Ottawa courtroom, Justice Roger Lafrenière refused to override the decision made by immigration officials. The 33-year-old is due to stand trial next year after pleading not guilty to seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault between 2020 and 2022.

Partey was booed by England fans at the Boston Stadium as his name was read out over the PA system. There were audible cheers from the Ghana end also but given that a large percentage of this ground is full of Three Lions supporters, the boos were far louder.

Following the 0-0 draw, players were seen embracing opponents on the pitch, with Partey and Rice pictured hugging as the former Arsenal man smiled.

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Partey told reporters ahead of Tuesday's match that he was "ready to play". And asked if he was happy to be returning after his issues in Canada, he said: "Well, I think it's a part of football.

"Things happen outside football that you cannot control. So for me now, I feel OK and I'm ready to play."

Asked about reconnecting with former Arsenal teammates Rice and Bukayo Saka, the Villarreal midfielder said: "I'm really happy to see them again.

"I hope they're going to bring their best and try to give us the opportunity to play against the best and try to compete and enjoy the game."

Ghana are second in Group L going into Tuesday's match and will face Croatia in their final group game on Saturday.

Partey added: "It's not about personal achievement. We are going to play a game of football.

"We are 11 players, we are a team. We have to play as a team. Individually if I can get my best game I will be happy, but at the end of the day it's the whole team that needs to be at the top level to be able to achieve what you want to achieve."

Ahead of the contest, Rice hailed the 33-year-old's footballing ability, stating during England's pre-match press conference: "As you mentioned Thomas, I've played with him at Arsenal, he's a really good player.

"I've also played against many of the Ghana team and from the clips we've studied, I know what they're going to bring: strength, pace and the counter-attack."

Tottenham have been one of several clubs linked with a move for West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, who looks set to leave the London Stadium this summer

Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United are set to do battle for West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes. Spurs have emerged as contenders this week and talks are understood to have progressed positively.

And The Independent report that the Hammers are adamant about receiving a substantial portion of any agreed fee upfront.

It is also understood that Spurs have tabled a more lucrative overall package. Crucially, Tottenham's wage offer to Fernandes is reportedly higher than that of United too, and thirdly, the 21-year-old is said to be very eager about the potential move.

It is therefore evident that the Red Devils will need to improve their wage offer to Fernandes, increase the upfront payment to West Ham, and enhance the overall financial package to the east London club.

West Ham have placed an £85million price tag on Fernandes, though this will merely serve as a starting point in negotiations with a club that desperately needs to generate funds to secure an immediate return to the Premier League.

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The significance of Manchester City's £120m-plus bid for Elliot Anderson underlines just how inflated the midfielder market has become.

Top-quality midfielders are at a premium, and clubs fortunate enough to possess such players will hold firm for the highest possible fee.

Anderson was seen as an ideal acquisition at Old Trafford, so it comes as little surprise that United are also weighing up a move for Fernandes.

The Portuguese midfielder could offer greater potential than the England international, being two years his junior and therefore likely to continue developing.

Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal have also been credited with interest in Fernandes, meaning Spurs may need to move swiftly to secure his services.

His former manager, Vasco Seabra, has explained to Radio Renascenca why Fernandes is attracting attention from some of Europe's elite clubs.

He said: "He has a huge range of abilities. I mean, he has technical quality and he's a kid with a fantastic heart and mentality.

"We expected, and I particularly expected, that he could reach top teams very quickly, but it would be false of me to say I expected that, two years later, he could be in Real Madrid's plans. He was really very young when he came through us."

Seabra believes Fernandes has what it takes to thrive in the Premier League. He added: "I expected he could reach Premier League level in a very short time.

"He really had a mentality and a daily commitment, both in training and matches, that made me believe he could reach a very high level."

Tottenham Hotspur have already had an increasingly busy summer transfer window, and don't seem to be slowing down in terms of business any time soon

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly keeping tabs on Brian Brobbey's situation at Sunderland AFC, following an outstanding campaign on Wearside and an impressive World Cup performance so far.

The 24-year-old striker was a standout for the Black Cats in 2025/26, finding the net seven times in 31 outings. Offering far more than simply his eye for goal, Brobbey troubled some of the division's most experienced defenders with his physical strength and excellent hold-up play.

Having done sufficient domestically to earn a World Cup call-up with the Netherlands from Ronald Koeman, the classic No. 9 has also shone on football's grandest international stage.

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After a brief cameo from the substitutes' bench during his country's tournament opener against Japan - which ended in a 2-2 stalemate - Brobbey was handed the opportunity to spearhead the attack from kick-off against Sweden last week. And it didn't take the Sunderland forward long whatsoever to leave his mark.

Cody Gakpo picked out the striker charging through the centre of Sweden's penalty area from the left wing just five minutes in, allowing Brobbey to stroke the ball home to hand his country a 1-0 advantage. Just 12 minutes later, his name was in the spotlight once again.

Denzel Dumfries delivered a dangerous cross from the right flank, with Brobbey stretching to connect ahead of Kristoffer Nordfeldt and slot home his second goal of the match. The Netherlands ultimately cruised to a commanding 5-1 victory over Sweden in a display of collective brilliance.

While Sunderland supporters will be thrilled to witness their star man flourishing on the international stage, they may also harbour concerns about the growing interest from several elite European sides. Spurs are among the clubs reportedly keen on acquiring his services for next season, as Roberto De Zerbi looks toward a major squad overhaul.

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However, they face competition for Brobbey's signature, with Manchester United, Chelsea and Aston Villa all believed to be tracking his progress. Prising the striker away from the Stadium of Light may prove far from simple, though.

Having only brought Brobbey in from Ajax for £21.6million last summer, Sunderland are under no pressure to sell - particularly given his contract runs until 2029. TEAMtalk has also been informed by sources that the Black Cats view Brobbey as integral to their future ambitions and have no intention of sanctioning his departure.

Sources also indicate that club officials are contemplating offering him a long-term deal to underline his significance. Brobbey also seems extremely content on Wearside currently, and with Europa League football on the horizon in 2026/27, will be determined to showcase his abilities on the continental stage.

That won't stop clubs and supporters across the globe from watching the star closely when the Netherlands take on Tunisia on Friday, 26th June in their final group-stage fixture of the World Cup.

It comes after Brobbey proved to be a thorn in the side of Spurs fans during De Zerbi's managerial debut in April. While it was Nordi Mukiele who ultimately made the difference for the hosts in a 1-0 win at the Stadium of Light, Brobbey was coloured in controversy midway through the encounter.

Cristian Romero looked to shield the ball from the striker to allow Antonin Kinsky to make a routine collection in his own box. With momentum, Brobbey seemed to nudge the Argentine into the shot-stopper at the last minute, Romero's knee clashing with Kinsky's head.

While Kinsky was able to continue after receiving lengthy treatment on the field, including a bandage for a cut to his head, Romero's outlook was far bleaker. The defender wiped tears of devastation away as he was substituted off due to a catastrophic knee injury.

The 28-year-old also missed the remainder of the season through the issue, but has since teamed up with his nation for the 2026 World Cup in North America.

Tottenham are set to seal a third free transfer this summer with an experienced addition to Roberto De Zerbi's squad

Tottenham are in advanced talks to sign Burnley's experienced goalkeeper Martin Dubravka on a free transfer, football.london understands.

The 37-year-old former Newcastle stopper has been at Burnley in recent seasons and played 35 matches for the relegated Clarets this campaign with his contract coming to an end in a week's time on June 30. The Slovakia international would inject some experience into Spurs ' goalkeeping department to provide back-up to Antonin Kinsky with Italy international Guglielmo Vicario tipped to leave the club this summer with various interested clubs in Serie A.

Kinsky is in a strong position to become the new number one for the north London club next season under Roberto De Zerbi thanks to his ability on the ball with his feet and his remarkable shot stopping, which helped keep Tottenham in the Premier League last season as he came in for Vicario, who was recovering from hernia surgery, for the final games of the campaign.

Tottenham also have homegrown goalkeeper Brandon Austin as well as youth products such as Luca Gunter, Sam Archer and Aaron Maguire on the books.

If Vicario does return home to Italy then with Kinsky, Dubravka and Austin as senior goalkeepers, and no European football, that would allow the club to spend their money elsewhere on the squad rather than on a new stopper.

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Dubravka, who also spent a loan spell at Manchester United, would be the Lilywhites' third free transfer signing of the summer after Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi. The club also spent £52million on Brighton centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke as De Zerbi looks to overhaul a squad that has finished 17th in the past two seasons and only narrowly escaped relegation last season.

The club have held talks with Newcastle over a deal for Sandro Tonali that could cost the club around £100million while they have also shown an interest in West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes and Manchester City winger Savinho.

It's already been a busy summer for Tottenham Hotspur, who have landed the likes of Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke, but there's still work to be done

Tottenham Hotspur are on the verge of taking Kyran Thompson from their bitter north London Rivals in a shock transfer.

The 16-year-old prodigy joined Arsenal from West Ham in 2024 in a deal worth a reported £1.1million. Thompson, who operates on the right wing, appeared as part of the Gunners' U18 set-up for the majority of last season, and also made his U21 debut for the outfit.

And while Arsenal are said to be eager to tie the teenager down to a new deal with a contract extension, due to his scholarship expiring at the end of the month, nothing is set in stone just yet.

That allows Thompson to move elsewhere at leisure, should he chose to do so. The Mail reports that Manchester City - who tried to sign the young talent two years ago - have once again registered an interest.

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However, it's Spurs who are thought to be the front-runners at present. The publication also claims that the Lilywhites are confident in sealing the deal for the highly-promising star.

It's already been a busy summer in North London, with Spurs welcoming Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi as free agents, as well as completing a £52m deal for Brighton's Jan Paul van Hecke.

And with Roberto De Zerbi looking to rebuild to avoid a repeat of last season's 17th-place finish, the Lilywhites are expected to do far more business before the window slams shut on September 1.

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With a number of reported targets representing their nations at the World Cup, it looks to be a case of 'a marathon, not a sprint' for Spurs.

But that hasn't prevented the rumour mill churning with regard to potential arrivals. The club will look for midfield reinforcement after the revelation that Lucas Bergvall wishes to move on this summer following a lack of consistent game time.

As a result, Spurs have been linked with Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, Newcastle United's Sandro Tonali and West Ham's Mateus Fernandes.

A deal for any of those names, however, will not come cheap considering an inflated midfield market and other clubs also monitoring them.

Tottenham's players are set to return to pre-season training next month and a small group will be there before some of their team-mates

Roberto De Zerbi will get to work with a group of his Tottenham players from the off next month as they begin preparations for next season.

The Italian head coach will be stepping into his first pre-season at Hotspur Way with the Spurs players expected to start coming back to the Enfield training complex in stages from Friday July 10 for medical and physical testing and gym work. They will then launch into full work on the training pitches with De Zerbi and his coaching staff from Monday July 13 ahead of a Premier League season which begins later this year due to the World Cup.

Some first team stars will be back later than their team-mates as Tottenham have 12 players currently away at the World Cup. Those are Cristian Romero, Kevin Danso, Luka Vuskovic, Djed Spence, Pape Matar Sarr, Pedro Porro, Lucas Bergvall, Micky van de Ven and Rodrigo Bentancur as well as summer signings Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke.

Those players will return in stages depending on when their involvement at the World Cup across the Atlantic comes to an end, with three weeks the required minimum break after summer international football.

That leaves a group of players who will return earlier than their World Cup colleagues and they have the chance to hit the ground running under De Zerbi and impress the Italian ahead of a big season at the club in which anyone could be replaced in the transfer market.

Some players who had non-World Cup international fixtures earlier this month may get a couple of days more rest but most, if not all, will return from the start of pre-season.

James Maddison and Dominic Solanke will be looking to build their fitness after an injury-hit season last time out. Also set to be back at the start of pre-season from the first team will be Conor Gallagher, Archie Gray, Richarlison, Mathys Tel, Destiny Udogie, Ben Davies, Souza, Antonin Kinsky, Guglielmo Vicario, Radu Dragusin and Brandon Austin.

Mohammed Kudus and Dejan Kulusevski will be involved when they are fit to return from the long-term injuries that dashed their World Cup hopes, while Wilson Odobert and Xavi Simons will not be back until the turn of the year from their ACL injuries.

De Zerbi will decide whether the likes of Yang Min-hyeok, Kota Takai, Dane Scarlett, Alfie Devine and Ashley Phillips work with the first team group depending on their futures, as well as returning U21 loan players with first team experience such as Mikey Moore, Will Lankshear and Jamie Donley among others.

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In terms of pre-season match action, Spurs will be hosting League One side MK Dons at Hotspur Way on Wednesday July 22. Unless another training ground friendly is arranged in the preceding weekend, that could be the first chance for De Zerbi to look over his Spurs squad in a match situation and their early physical status.

Very quickly after that game, Tottenham will fly off to New Zealand to take on Auckland FC on Sunday, July 26 at Eden Park. The following day, De Zerbi's men will take a shorter flight to Australia to start their preparations for a fixture against A-League side Sydney FC on Wednesday, July 29 at the Allianz Stadium.

Then to close out their summer tour Tottenham will meet Chelsea in the Australian city as part of the 2026 Sydney Super Cup.

With 21 days remaining of pre-season after that, more friendly fixtures are expected and there's the potential for a game at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium ahead of that new Premier League campaign and the opening trip to Brentford on August 22.