Real Madrid are reportedly prepared to make a €50m (£43.06m) offer for one of Tottenham Hotspur’s star players.
Earlier in the summer, Los Blancos finalised the acquisition of Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain, as well as saw Endrick complete his transfer from Palmeiras.
Even though experienced trio Nacho, Toni Kroos and Joselu have all left the Bernabeu, it did not stop Carlo Ancelotti from declaring that there would be no more incomings before the end of August.
From a central-defensive standpoint, Ancelotti stated that Jesus returning from a loan spell with Granada was his reason for not intending to directly replace club stalwart Nacho.
However, if a recent report is to be believed, the European champions are ready to act in order to strengthen their options in the middle of their backline.
Real identify Romero as desired addition
According to Doble Amarilla, Spurs defender Cristian Romero has emerged as their ideal candidate to join the squad.
Romero has spent the past three seasons at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, making a total of 96 starts and two substitute outings in all competitions.
Although Spurs were not always defensively sound in 2023-24, the Argentina international is deemed to be an untouchable first choice alongside Micky van de Ven.
His stock has also been enhanced from playing a key role in another major tournament triumph for his country, who recently lifted the Copa America.
Argentina conceded just one goal in five matches with Romero on the pitch, highlighting his influence on the global stage.
How are Spurs likely to react?
With three years remaining on his contract and having paid £42m for his signature in 2021, it is inevitable that Spurs will demand far more than Real are allegedly prepared to offer.
Furthermore, Romero has recently indicated that he wants to spend at least another season in North London, despite acknowledging speculation regarding his future.
Much may depend how strong Real president Florentino Perez is prepared to push. With Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba above the age of 30, the La Liga giants will soon require younger alternatives.
Spurs would also be required to find an immediate replacement, something that would not be a simple task at this stage of the transfer window.