Tottenham have £25m defender, Ajax teenager, and £70m Everton star on summer shopping list
Tottenham Hotspur are in the market for a new centre-back this summer, although the level of signing may depend on Cristian Romero’s future. Ben Jacobs has exclusively told Spurs Web three names to keep an eye on this summer.
Tottenham Hotspur have already made their most significant change of the summer transfer window by swapping Europa League hero, Ange Postecoglou, for Brentford boss, Thomas Frank.
However, Spurs fans will be expecting plenty of transfer activity over the coming weeks as the Dane looks to shape the squad in his image – a squad that struggled down in 17th in the Premier League last season.
The Lilywhites have technically made two additions to the team already this summer, although both are familiar faces. Kevin Danso’s loan to Tottenham has become permanent after the £21m obligation to buy was triggered.
Mathys Tel has also joined Spurs on a £29.6m permanent deal following his loan move for the second half of last season. Tottenham will be over the moon at that deal, having talked Bayern Munich down from £45m.
Tottenham want to keep Cristian Romero in North London
Cristian Romero is said to be getting phone calls almost every day from Diego Simeone as Atletico Madrid look to swoop for the Tottenham vice-captain.
However, Fabrizio Romano says he cannot see Spurs letting Romero leave this summer, while other reports have backed Thomas Frank to convince the World Cup-winner to stay.
Tottenham have been linked with a host of players already this summer – some expensive big-name stars billed as Romero replacements, and others up-and-coming squad players.
Ben Jacobs has exclusively informed Spurs Web that there is still no guarantee that Romero leaves Tottenham this summer, but the Lilywhites will want a player lined up just in case. He also added that Spurs may look for a defender who can cover both centre-back and left-back over the coming weeks.
While the likes of Jarrad Branthwaite and Marc Guehi have been regularly linked with Tottenham, Jacobs has also named Koni De Winter and Jorrel Hato as two names to look out for.
Spurs Web has learned that Jarrad Branthwaite could cost Tottenham around the £70m mark, while De Winter would likely only be between £21m and £26m.
Jorrel Hato is just 19 years old but played 50 games at left-back and centre-back for Ajax last season, while recording two goals and six assists. However, Spurs will have to fight Arsenal and Chelsea for his signature.
Marc Guehi has been heavily linked with Liverpool in recent days, which could rule Tottenham out of the race for the Crystal Palace star.
Tottenham are looking at Jarrad Branthwaite, Koni De Winter, and Jorrel Hato
Ben Jacobs exclusively told Spurs Web: “Firstly, there is no guarantee Cuti Romero departs, even though he is on record as saying he wants to play in LaLiga one day. Atletico Madrid were considering a bid at around €40m (£34m) with add-ons back in May, and Spurs would likely ask for significantly more. It’s hard to see Daniel Levy sanctioning a sale without making a healthy profit on the €50m (£42.7m) paid.
“Spurs would also want a replacement lined up even if the valuation was met. Koni De Winter is one name of interest and available for around €25-€30m (£21.4m-£25.7m).
“I sense Tottenham might go for a centre-back who is also comfortable at full-back, even though Djed Spence has really reignited his Spurs career. That could allow Archie Gray to move into midfield. And left-sided defensive cover may also be considered. Ajax’s Jorrel Hato is one name of interest, and Tottenham face competition with both Arsenal and Chelsea.
“Jarrad Branthwaite and Marc Guehi are more costly outlays. I don’t see Everton selling Branthwaite for under £70m, or even at all, and I am not aware of anything of note yet from Spurs on that front. I think most clubs know Everton’s asking price hasn’t dropped.
“As for Marc Guehi, we know Tottenham put in a bid in January, so that could be one to watch. Crystal Palace have a big decision to make this summer. It’s their last chance to cash in, unless they can persuade Guehi to sign a new contract.”
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