Incoming Madrid boss Xabi Alonso big fan of Tottenham superstar

Real Madrid set to battle cross-town rivals Atletico Madrid for the signing of Tottenham defender Cristian Romero

The future of Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero has been the subject of much speculation over the last couple of months.

Since it first emerged a couple of months ago that Atletico Madrid had contacted the 2022 World Cup winner about a transfer this summer, the speculation over the centre-back’s future has become rife. Over recent days, some reports have suggested that the 26-year-old is likely to seek an exit from the North Londoners after the Europa League final against Manchester United in Bilbao on May 21.

Cristian Romero has already hinted towards a summer exit from Tottenham, expressing his desire to play in La Liga. The central defender decided earlier this year that he wants to leave N17 for greener pastures if the right offer comes in for him. However, Atletico Madrid are not the only Spanish club interested in securing the 26-year-old’s signature.

According to an exclusive report from The Sun, incoming Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso is targeting a move for Romero to rebuild the squad. The Spanish tactician, who is set to replace veteran Carlo Ancelotti at the Santiago Bernabeu, is a ‘huge fan’ of the Spurs star and feels he could be the ‘perfect addition’ to help Los Blancos win silverware next season.

Real Madrid made a move to sign the Argentinean international last summer, but Tottenham had no interest in doing business. Now, it seems they have revived their interest in the Cordoba-born star, who is entering the final two years of his contract at White Hart Lane.

One would assume that Romero would not hesitate to join Real Madrid if they make a concrete effort to sign him this summer, even if he has held private talks with their cross-town rivals’ boss, Diego Simeone, over a possible transfer.

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As things stand, the Hotspur Way chiefs will have internally accepted that they are resigned to losing their defensive ace at the end of the season, and given he is contracted until 2027, they remain in a decent position to ask for a sizeable fee.

They could accept a £50m bid for the South American, with the club bosses having already started scouring the market for his potential replacement. Former Spurs goalkeeper Paul Robinson feels Crystal Palace skipper Marc Guehi will be at the top of the shortlist, although any move would hinge on the Lilywhites’ Europa League success.