Tottenham have reportedly set a huge valuation for centre-back Cristian Romero as links with Spanish giants Real Madrid refuse to go away this summer.
The Argentine foreigner would be seen as the best option for French defender Leny Yoro after Real recently lost to Manchester United in the search for teenage talent.
However, Romero is a target for La Liga heavyweights ahead of his chase in Yoro and it appears interest remains intact as time runs out to close the window on Aug. 30.
Real Madrid know, however, that they are immersed in a complicated negotiation with Daniel Levy for a player that Tottenham have no intention of selling.
In fact, Ange Postecoglou is a fan of the World Cup and Copa America winner, making him one of his vice-captains alongside James Maddison when he took over in north London last summer.
According to an update from Tottenham expert Paul O’Keefe, who spoke on the Last Word podcast about Spurs), Levy has marked a huge milestone for Real in their search for the player.
The Spurs chairman is believed to have told Carlo Ancelotti’s men that they will have to pay £150m (€175m) if they need to sign the 26-year-old, who remains under contract for a further three years.
Romero is also a big fan favourite in north London, despite his disciplinary issues at times, and any sale would likely cause a stir within the Premier League club.
The player himself also recently revealed that he is more than satisfied with life at Tottenham, having been at the club since 2021 after signing an initial loan deal at the club before a permanent move.
Romero told ESPN F90: “I try to play the best I can. I have a lot of respect for the Tottenham. Me have provided a lot of help here, that’s why I love betting here. I don’t think about other clubs or their possibilities.
“I know there’s a lot of talk about a possible move, but I’m calm. At my club I play differently to the national team, more of a striker. I still have years left in Europe and I need to see where I can go.
“I hope this year we can make a name for ourselves at Tottenham. “
As for Real Madrid, their search for another centre-back goes some way given Antonio Rudiger’s good form last season and the hope that Eder Militao will return to his most productive form after a long injury last season.
The search for a replacement for veteran star Nacho Fernandez remains ongoing, even if spending €175m on Romero makes little to no sense for the reigning La Liga champions.
Romero is now set to return to training at Tottenham ahead of the new season, and Postecoglou’s men will travel to newly promoted Leicester City for their Premier League opener on Monday 19 August.