The Real Champs

There are just two days until the January transfer window closes and it hadn't seemed likely that Real Madrid would conduct any more business. That included outgoings as the club looked to move ahead for the second half of the campaign with Endrick being their only departee.

Endrick left on loan for Lyon at the start of the month, a decision that has left Madrid looking foolish. The Brazilian has been sensational in Ligue 1 and left many wondering why he wasn't relied upon at the Estadio Bernabeu.

Another attacker who is similarly lacking a starting role is Brahim Diaz who recently returned from the African Cup of Nations. The Moroccan has started just three of 13 La Liga games and contributed two assists in those appearances.

Tottenham eyeing Real Madrid's Brahim Diaz

Diaz is believed to acknowledge that there isn't much chance of him taking up a starting role in Alvaro Arbeloa's side in the short term. His representatives have started to explore the market and guage interest in a potential move.

That's according to TEAMtalk, who claim that several clubs have contacted Diaz's entourage, including Serie A's Como. They view the 26-year-old as a potential Nico Paz replacement, given that the Argentine is linked with a return to the Bernabeu this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur are also showing interest and the London giants are one of three Premier League clubs eyeing the Moroccan. It's claimed that Aston Villa and Newcastle United have also been in contact with the player's camp.

These conversations are thought to have been about a possible January exit which means there is a chance AFCON's top scorer departs before the window closes on Monday. If he does depart it will mean Madrid's board has allowed the squad to weaken in the winter while the team struggles for form.

Madrid must wait for the summer to make a decision

Diaz proved at AFCON that he can be a real threat and opting to part with the Morocco international now will have huge consequences. Arbeloa is already dealing with Vinicius Junior's inconsistency and Rodrygo's suspension for the Champions League playoff against Benfica.

Arbeloa could do with Diaz's versatility as he looks to get his side's season back on track. But the player might be eager to get consistent game time under his belt ahead of next summer's FIFA World Cup.

Diaz joined Madrid from Manchester City in 2019 before spending a spell at AC Milan. He has made 141 appearances over the course of seven years at the Bernabeu, posting 21 goals and 23 assists.

Real Madrid's injury crisis has been a major issue this season and it has wreaked havoc with the team's defense. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba and Dani Carvajal are among those who have been on the sidelines more often than not this term.

It makes a new center-back signing a must-have in this summer's transfer window and there have already been several names linked. Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck seems to be on the club's radar amid a fine spell in the Bundesliga.

The recruitment staff will report to Florentino Perez but it seems the Madrid president has already made a Tottenham Hotspur star a top priority.

According to Topskills Sports UK, Madrid have made an opening offer for Tottenham's Cristian Romero and the Argentine is at the top of their wishlist. Perez is said to be a "huge admirer."

Los Blancos are prepared to go "all out" for Romero who was on Atletico Madrid's radar last summer. He stayed with Spurs and signed a new long-term deal which doesn't expire until 2029.

Romero was even appointed as the Lilywhites' new captain which only further highlighted his status as one of the Londoners' most important players. But his side are enduring a disastrous season with the club sat 14th in the Premier League table.

The Argentine has made 26 appearances across competitions, posting six goals and four assists. He is a threat from set pieces but also one of the best tacklers in the English top-flight.

Madrid are looking at the wrong Tottenham defender

While Romero does have the tools to be a hit at Madrid he does weaknesses including a short fuse. The 27-year-old's passionate personality can see him lose his head, much like Antonio Rudiger has a tendency to do.

Romero's teammate Micky van de Ven is the one Los Blancos should be eyeing as he has all the makings of an excellent La Liga defender. The Dutchman is perhaps the fastest center-back in European football and he likes to drive forward with the ball.

The 24-year-old appears to be open to leaving Spurs amid previous reports suggesting Barcelona have shown interest. He has been a mainstay in the Lilywhites' team this season, appearing 30 times across competitions and registering seven goals and one assist.

Van de Ven could be an ideal Alaba replacement with the Austrian set to leave the Estadio Bernabeu in the summer. He is left-footed and his peak years are still ahead of him.

Real Madrid’s transfer business looks done for now. With no players leaving, there is little space to accommodate any further arrivals.

That said, the window remains open and Madrid are still active participants. This summer they have sold a number of Castilla players, including some of the most prominent names from the youth setup.

One of them, Nico Paz, is continuing for another season at Como and stands out as one of the brightest prospects. Reportedly, Tottenham Hotspur have submitted an opening bid of 50 million euros for the Argentine, and Real Madrid hold a 50 percent sell-on clause on any future transfer.

Tottenham Hotspur submit bid for ex-Real Madrid prodigy

There were rumours earlier in the summer that Paz could be brought back immediately, but both the club and the player decided he should spend another year in Italy before the opportunity to wear white again arises.

Just weeks ago, Paz himself said he hopes to return to Real Madrid in the future. The club is also closely monitoring his progress, so a reunion looks more like a matter of time.

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Tottenham have officially made their move, though neither Como nor Paz has given any response yet.

From the perspective of his Real Madrid future, it would not be wise for Paz to accept this deal. Under the current agreement between Como and Madrid, Los Blancos can re-sign him in 2026 for just 9 million euros.

That clause, however, would vanish if he were sold to Tottenham, making a future return to Madrid much harder and far more expensive, as it would require negotiating on Tottenham’s terms.

The best move for Nico Paz is to stay patient, play another season with Serie A underdogs Como, and prepare himself for a return to Real Madrid either next season or the one after.

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