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An "unbelievable" Newcastle United player is wanted by a huge European club this month, according to an update from Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg.

Newcastle transfer news

The Magpies could do with new signings in the January transfer window, with injuries continuing to hurt them badly, as Joelinton becomes the latest big-name player to be out for a significant period of time.

On the plus side, Newcastle have been linked with signing lots of players before the end of the month, with reinforcements being eyed up all over the pitch. Lazio defender Alessio Romagnoli is one individual who has been backed to head to St James' Park in recent days, with fellow centre-back Ousmane Diomande also a target.

The Magpies also still have a chance of signing Manchester City and England midfielder Kalvin Phillips, although the 28-year-old is reportedly in talks with West Ham over a switch to east London. In attack, VfB Stuttgart ace Serhou Guirassy is a fairly long-time target as Eddie Howe looks for added firepower to aid his side's European push in the Premier League.

Now, a surprise rumour is doing the rounds – one that affects a current Newcastle player, rather than a potential incoming star.

Kieran Trippier could leave Newcastle

Writing on X on Friday, Plettenberg claimed that Bayern Munich want to sign Newcastle ace Kieran Trippier on loan this month, keeping him at the club until the end of the season.

"Yes, FC Bayern is interested in signing Kieran Trippier as there’s still no green light from @PSG_inside for a loan of Nordi Mukiele. Bayern bosses have discussed about the 33 y/o Trippier in the last 2 days. It’s hot as a straight loan of the right-back from Newcastle is possible."

There is no doubt that this update comes as a shock for Newcastle, with Trippier seemingly set to stay at the club for the foreseeable future, continuing to be a key man after proving to be such a fantastic signing.

Granted, the 33-year-old's form has been a huge concern during a chunk of the winter period, with a number of mistakes leading to goals against the Magpies, but it could simply be that some fatigue has set in, as well as a loss of confidence.

Selling Trippier makes very little sense in the second half of the season, and the hope is that talk of a move to Bayern blows over and the England right-back remains at St James' for the rest of his career. This is someone who Alan Shearer loves, with the Newcastle legend saying last year:

"Some of the balls he was putting into the box were just unbelievable. What a signing he has been for Newcastle, he’s in great form."

Versatile Newcastle player set to leave St James' Park with deal close

A permanent exit this month looks on the cards.

ByHenry Jackson Jan 19, 2024

Whether Trippier's head will be turned by a move to Bayern remains to be seen, but if he does go, losing him would represent a significant setback for Howe and the supporters.

Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek will be ‘excited’ about his chances of shining at Old Trafford following Erik ten Hag’s appointment at the club.

The Lowdown: Ten Hag comes in

Ten Hag has officially been named as United’s new manager, with the 52-year-old coming in at the end of the season after an impressive spell at Ajax.

The hope is that he is finally the right man to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford, with David Moyes, Jose Mourinho, Louis van Gaal, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick all flattering to deceive in the Premier League.

One player who Ten Hag knows inside out is Van de Beek, with the pair working together when Ajax reached the Champions League semi-finals back in 2018/19.

The Latest: Journalist makes Van de Beek claim

Speaking to GiveMeSport, journalist Paul Brown claimed that this could be Van de Beek’s time to seize his opportunity at United, saying:

“I think he’s quite excited probably about the prospect of finally getting a chance.

“If he doesn’t, there are probably other clubs in a better position than Everton to take him on loan, if possible.”

The Verdict: Make-or-break for Van de Beek

This certainly feels like a make-or-break moment in Van de Beek’s United career, with the Netherlands international on loan at Everton after a woeful spell at Old Trafford.

If Ten Hag can’t get a tune out of him, you’d start to wonder if anyone will be able to do so, with the midfielder such a key figure under the 52-year-old at Ajax, scoring 41 goals in 175 appearances in total.

It will be fascinating to see how Van de Beek fares next season, assuming he stays at Old Trafford, and if Ten Hag gets the best out of him, it could genuinely feel almost like a new signing for United, with the 25-year-old having once been hailed as ‘perfect’ by Owen Hargreaves.

In other news, United are reportedly keen on signing one Premier League star. Read more here.

Eddie Howe has given a promising update on Newcastle United’s Jamal Lewis and his progress in his recovery from a long-standing groin problem.

What’s the latest?

The Newcastle manager took to his pre-match press conference ahead of the Norwich City clash on Friday, to reveal more information on Lewis’ condition.

Howe told the press (via Newcastle’s Twitter account): “He’s had a few operations and recently had another one. We hope this one has fixed his long-standing groin problem. It’s been frustrating for him because he’s not felt 100%. I’d love to see him back in pre-season and show us the player he can be.”

Howe will be buzzing

Lewis was cut from Newcastle’s 25-man squad in February to make way for new signings, so he will have the opportunity to really work on his fitness and recover ahead of pre-season when he can then start working on earning his place back in the team which will surely have Howe buzzing.

The 24-year old’s left-back position is currently being covered by Aston Villa loanee Matt Targett, and, despite many reports suggesting that the loan move will be made permanent this summer, The Athletic is now reporting that the Magpies manager is undecided on the signing.

When you compare the pair over their careers, Lewis has made 121 appearances, whilst Targett has made 130. Lewis has maintained a better pass accuracy and higher success rate in tackling than his position competitor, however, the 26-year-old offers more success in his dribbling and is more successful in winning aerial duels.

Even if Targett was to sign on a permanent deal, Lewis will still be needed to cover and rotate into the left defensive position, and considering how young he is, he is likely to be considered a long-term prospect in the position at St James’ Park.

Newcastle have almost completed their great escape from relegation this season securing 40 points in the Premier League table after a win over Crystal Palace on Wednesday night and will take on Norwich City this afternoon at Carrow Road – with Howe surely hoping they can continue to climb the table into a comfortable position.

AND in other news: Eddie Howe must finally axe “unacceptable” £80k-p/w NUFC passenger, he’s “looked lost”

Crystal Palace are making contingency plans behind the scenes, in the event they’re forced to sell Eberechi Eze amid ongoing interest from Arsenal.

Crystal Palace jostling to sign "special" £30m Chelsea ace over AC Milan

The Eagles could land a Chilwell repeat…

ByTom Cunningham Jul 24, 2025

Oliver Glasner hasn’t exactly enjoyed the best summer window after guiding Palace to their first ever major trophy at the end of last season.

The south Londoners are currently in a legal battle with UEFA, Nottingham Forest and Lyon after Palace’s spot in the Europa League was unceremoniously, and perhaps unfairly, revoked due to their alleged breach of multi-club ownership rules.

Daniel Munoz

7.11

Eberechi Eze

7.09

Maxence Lacroix

6.88

Marc Guehi

6.81

Jean-Philippe Mateta

6.80

via WhoScored

John Textor was forced to sell his shares in Palace, agreeing a £190 million deal for his 43% stake with New York Jets owner Woody Johnson, with the American tycoon also resigning from his leadership role at Lyon to try and avoid a demotion to the Conference League.

However, UEFA still followed through with their decision, and Palace have appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in a bid to get their Europa League spot back.

A decision is expected on August 11 after a hearing three days prior, and whilst the Eagles take on UEFA, Glasner’s side also face the looming threat of losing key players.

Marc Guehi is attracting serious interest from Liverpool and other Premier League rivals ahead of deadline day on September 1, while multiple sources suggest that Arsenal are hot on the heels of star playmaker Eze.

The England international had a £60 million release clause in his contract, but that expired at 11:59pm on Friday night, so Arsenal will need to enter negotiations with Palace if they want to strike a deal.

Arsenal were not planning to trigger Eze’s clause anyway, and the 27-year-old remains very keen on a move across London after talks with both Mikel Arteta and Gunners sporting director Andrea Berta, according to reports.

Crystal Palace could sign Lucas Paqueta and Leandro Trossard to replace Eze

Football Transfers have an update on the ex-QPR star’s future, and it’s claimed that Steve Parish could make a “sensational double swoop” to replace Eze if he does leave.

Indeed, West Ham creator Lucas Paqueta and Arsenal winger Leandro Trossard are of interest to Glasner’s side, and FT sources believe that Palace could bring in the two London stars simultaneously if Eze leaves.

The Brazilian is apparently Palace’s “major target”, but they’re also weighing up a move for Trossard, who could be used as a makeweight by Arsenal to sweeten any deal for Eze.

In a statement move, Palace may actually end up signing both Paqueta and Trossard, but for that to happen, Parish could need to milk as much cash for Eze as possible.

The Hammers midfielder commands a price tag of around £60 million, according to GiveMeSport, while Arsenal have placed a £17 million valuation on Trossard as he enters the final 11 months of his contract.

The £77 million duo are proven Premier League players, though, and could be worth their wait in gold for Glasner, who’s looking to build upon Palace’s historic FA Cup triumph at Wembley.

Everton are “interested” in completing the signing of a player with five England caps to his name, according to Sky Sports reporter Mark McAdam.

Everton eyeing new signing as well as Fofana

The Blues have been linked with a summer move for Lyon winger Malick Fofana, with the 20-year-old seen as a strong option to bring in out wide.

The Belgian is capable of excelling on either flank, and scored a combined 11 goals in Ligue 1 and the Europa League last season, but it looks as though Everton’s wide business won’t be done there if they do sign him.

A new claim has suggested that David Moyes wants to bring in two wingers during the summer transfer window, although the second player in question isn’t specified.

A host of possible options have been mentioned, including Jack Harrison returning to Everton on a permanent basis, or Takefusa Kubo making a move from Real Sociedad. Now, a versatile player who can shine all over the pitch has been mentioned as a target for the Merseysiders.

Everton "interested" in signing Maitland-Niles

According to McAdam on X, Everton are “interested” in signing Ainsley Maitland-Niles from Lyon, with the former Arsenal man a new target for the Blues.

Maitland-Niles may almost have become a forgotten man to some Premier League fans, considering he has been plying his trade at Lyon since 2023, but he could be a strong addition to Moyes’ squad.

The £36,000-a-week ace has five caps to his name for England, and he has been lauded by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta in the past.

“First of all, I see a different player in terms of his urgency, his commitment, the clarity in his play, his purpose. Since we made the decision, it was clear what I was seeing that I wanted him to stay, because he was going to be useful. He has a huge talent because he’s versatile enough to adapt to almost any position on the pitch. Today we made use of him to do what he had to do in the game, which was really important.”

Everton now want to seal another key signing alongside Fofana this summer

This will be music to the ears of David Moyes.

ByHenry Jackson Jul 28, 2025

Maitland-Niles’ aforementioned versatility makes him a shrewd option for Everton, with the Englishman capable of doing a job in as many as 10 different positions, whether it be right-back, left-back or central midfield.

Newcastle’s defeat to Liverpool in their second Premier League outing of the season was disastrous, not in terms of the result and certainly not the performance but the repercussions the game.

Fabian Schar looks like a possible absentee for the Leeds United fixture following a concussion and Anthony Gordon will definitely be out for the next three fixtures following his suspension.

After the game, Bruno Guimarães took to social media to share his thoughts on the last-minute defeat, saying: “Mixed feelings. We will never give up under any circumstances. We deserved more, but many times football is not fair. We stick together. There is still a lot ahead, and your support will always be fundamental. Howay the lads.”

The biggest setbacks from the game were the injuries to his fellow midfielders however, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton. The injuries are so severe that Newcastle have set out on a search for a new central midfielder to cover the position during their recovery. New reports today have indicated progress in that search.

Newcastle take first steps towards Gallagher signing

Reports from Spain have indicated that Newcastle have expressed interest to Atlético Madrid over the signing of England midfielder Conor Gallagher due to his “ability to adapt to different roles makes him ideal for a high-intensity system”.

Newcastle are one of four Premier League teams to have made contact with the Spanish side for the £33 million player, with the others being Manchester United, West Ham and Crystal Palace.

The report states: “Atlético Madrid hadn’t planned to part ways with Gallagher so soon. However, market pressure and offers from the Premier League could change that.”

In the event that Atlético do sell Gallagher, they are likely to use the funds to try and sign Manchester City’s Spanish midfielder Nico González as a replacement.

Newcastle the new front-runners

It had previously been reported that six clubs were interested in Gallagher, but the reports from Spain are now indicating that this has been reduced to four. Tottenham were exploring the idea of signing Gallagher as a replacement for Yves Bissouma, but as the window gets closer to closing, his exit seems less and less likely.

Everton had been reported as the strongest contenders for Gallagher alongside Newcastle, but the report suggests their financial situation may not allow them to make this signing. The Toffees have spent over £110 million so far this window with Tyler Dibling being their most recent signing.

Of the clubs remaining in the race for Gallagher, Newcastle can offer one thing that the others can’t: Champions League football. While Crystal Palace will also be in Europe this season, they have been demoted to the Europa Conference League. It would have been hard enough for them to tempt Gallagher with Europa League football, but the demotion has made them an even less tempting prospect.

Aston Villa have now been handed a boost in their pursuit of a £70m forward, with transfer expert Graeme Bailey revealing he would be open to a move to Villa Park this summer.

Aston Villa eager to sign new forwards

It has been clear that Villa need to sign a striker since the January transfer window, at which point they sold Jhon Duran to Al-Nassr, and the need to bring in a centre-forward could be exacerbated by the departure of Ollie Watkins.

Manchester United have held talks over a deal for Watkins, which means the Villans have started to run the rule over replacements, and Paris Saint-Germain’s Randal Kolo Muani has entered the frame as a potential option.

Besiktas’ Semih Kilicsoy also remains of interest, alongside Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson, with Unai Emery’s side now ready to make a move for the striker, should he become available later this summer.

Target

League appearances in 24/25

Goals

Randal Kolo Muani

26

10

Semih Kilicsoy

32

3

Nicolas Jackson

30

10

After losing Duran in the January transfer window, versatile forward Marcus Rashford was brought in, but with the Manchester United man now Barcelona-bound, Emery is also keen on bringing in a forward capable of playing out wide.

Last week, it was revealed that Aston Villa have made an approach for Man United’s Alejandro Garnacho, who could be valued at £70m, and there has now been another update on their pursuit of the forward.

According to a report from The Boot Room, Garnacho is open to a move to Villa Park this summer, given that he is keen to remain in the Premier League and play under Emery.

Aston Villa keen on £21m international star but he's already in talks with Man City

Aston Villa are the latest team to show an interest in a player who has a low release clause until the end of July.

1 ByBrett Worthington Jul 21, 2025

Bailey added: “Alejandro Garnacho wants to stay in England, and there are only so many options. Chelsea, we know, like him, whilst Tottenham have maintained contact.

“But Aston Villa have emerged as an option, I am told the player has done his homework on the possibility of working with Unai Emery, and he has heard good things.”

Garnacho could be "amazing" signing for Aston Villa

Amid doubts surrounding Jacob Ramsey’s future, it could be very important to bring in a new signing capable of playing at left-wing this summer, and the 21-year-old has picked up 31 goals and 17 assists in 110 appearances from that area, including games at youth level.

Ruben Amorim has also singled out the youngster for high praise, describing him as “amazing” after an impressive performance in Manchester United’s 1-1 draw against Arsenal last season.

That said, given that Villa are treading a fine line PSR-wise, it may not be financially prudent to shell out £70m on a player yet to record world-class numbers.

Garnacho amassed a respectable six goals and two assists in the Premier League last season, but his performances are yet to justify a £70m outlay, so it may only be worth Villa making a move if the winger becomes available for a lower price.

It is set to be a busy summer for Manchester City.

On the pitch, the Sky Blues are competing at the FIFA Club World Cup, kicking off their campaign on 18 June in Philadelphia against Wydad Casablanca, before also meeting Al Ain and Juventus.

Meantime, the Citizens are also likely to be busy in the transfer market, as they were in January, spending a reported £180m to recruit Abdukodir Khusanov, Omar Marmoush, Nico González, Vitor Reis and Juma Bah.

There is a clear strategy to make this squad younger, so are the Sky Blues now leading the chase for another highly-rated youngster?

Manchester City preparing a bid for a new full-back

According to reports from Spain, Manchester City are ‘preparing’ a bid to sign Benfica left-back Álvaro Carreras.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

They claim the 21-year-old ‘has caught the attention of Pep Guardiola’, making him a ‘priority option’ as Man City seek to bolster their left-back options.

Carreras actually spent time in Manchester United’s academy, making 42 appearances during a season-long loan spell at Preston North End in the EFL Championship, but he has really taken his game to a new level since joining Benfica for a reported fee of €6m (£5m) in the summer 2024 – after an initial loan move – featuring 61 times for As Águias so far.

Now, could the one-time Real Madrid starlet – who reportedly has a release clause of €50m (£41m) – be making the move to the other side of Manchester, but how well would he fit in at Man City?

How Álvaro Carreras would improve Manchester City

Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout describes Carreras as an “excellent left-back”, while Portuguese Football Expert Kevin Fernandes believes he is “one of the best” players in his position on the market this summer, describing him as “defensively solid” having enjoyed a “meteoric” rise since making the move to Lisbon.

The former United man has also been lauded by Kulig for his “amazing engine and quality” at left-back, potentially proving a solution to what has been a problem position for Manchester City all throughout this season.

Right now, Nico O’Reilly, a 20-year-old, inexperienced attacking midfielder, is being deployed there by Guardiola, following a game-changing second-half appearance off the bench during last month’s FA Cup victory at Bournemouth, in which he scored and registered an assist.

At other times, Joško Gvardiol had appeared to be the undisputed first-choice for this role, while Rico Lewis, a versatile full-back, isn’t starting very much on either side, with Matheus Nunes the most common starting right-back in recent months.

So, considering Carreras would probably be usurping Lewis in the full-back pecking order, let’s asses how the two youngsters compare.

Appearances

66

71

Minutes

4,557

4,822

Pass completion %

79.6%

92.1%

Progressive passes

71

226

Progressive carries

34

92

Take on success %

60.5%

46.3%

Shot-creating actions

46

97

Goal-creating actions

4

12

Crosses

135

14

Tackles won

61

49

Interceptions

77

31

Ball recoveries

99

196

% of aerial duels won

54.4%

23.3%

Errors leading to an opposition shot

1

3

The table makes for interesting reading because, based on statistics from the start of last season, Lewis significantly comes out on top when it comes to both possession and chances created metric.

Meantime, Carreras is a vastly superior out-of-possession defender, emphasised by his tackles won, ball recoveries and percentage of aerials duels won, albeit the latter is slightly harsh on Lewis, considering he’s 5 foot 7 in. Even so, the addition of such competition could be bad news for the young England star.

This season, as Manchester City have struggled significantly more, they’ve been tasked with doing a lot more defending, a challenge some of their defenders have not been able to cope with, so Carreras would certainly address this issue and be an excellent addition.

Worth even more than Wirtz: Man City struck gold on "extraordinary" star

Man City have hit the jackpot with one of Pep Guardiola’s star men

ByJoe Nuttall Apr 18, 2025

Arsenal are ready to move in with a contract offer for one of their key transfer targets this summer, as Andrea Berta looks to give Gunners boss Mikel Arteta his full backing ahead of a crucial 2024/2025 campaign.

Arsenal flying high after impressive 3-0 win over Real Madrid

The north Londoners blew everyone away with a stunning 3-0 victory over European champions Real Madrid in the Champions League earlier this week, courtesy of two sensational Declan Rice free-kicks and a great finish from emergency striker Mikel Merino.

Arsenal want to finalise £17m deal for Fabregas target "as soon as possible"

The former Gunners star is apparently eyeing him for Como.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 8, 2025

The statement performance in Europe gifts Arsenal a huge advantage heading into the Bernabeu second leg, with Real Madrid star Eduardo Camavinga also set to miss the next game after he was sent off in added time.

Brentford (home)

April 12th

Ipswich Town (away)

April 20th

Crystal Palace (home)

April 23rd

Bournemouth (home)

May 3rd

Liverpool (away)

May 11th

With nothing left to play for in the Premier League, the north Londoners could still make history this season, and the prospect of Arsenal going on to clinch their first ever Champions League crown has been made all the more real after Tuesday’s heroics.

“We’re going to enjoy the win, because we feel we deserve to do that, but we know it’s just half-time, and we’re going to have to be even better in Madrid to go through,” said Arteta on Arsenal’s second leg in Madrid.

“They [the players] were talking about it immediately. You know, great, enjoy it, and now let’s prepare for Saturday very well, and then we’ll have the time to prepare for the next challenge in Madrid. But they are all very excited. We have our time, and we are just, again, in the middle of it, at half-time, however you want to call it. There is still so much to do here.”

Berta’s priority potential summer signings will have been watching Arsenal’s 3-0 dismantling of Real with serious curiosity, and a good run in Europe may well contribute towards the Italian’s mission to tempt them with a move to the Emirates.

Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres is believed to be a leading candidate to reinforce Arsenal’s striking options, and a report now claims they’re ready to make the Swede an intriguing proposal.

Arsenal offer Viktor Gyokeres a £192,000-per-week contract

Arsenal are ready to open club-to-club talks for Gyokeres, according to recent media sources, but Just Arsenal now report they’ve already got their eyes on securing personal terms for the former Coventry City striker.

The outlet claims Arsenal are preparing to offer Gyokeres a contract worth up to £192,000-per-week, which would run until 2030, they’re currently favourites to land the 26-year-old ahead of both Chelsea and Man United.

While the latter two sides are both engaged in talks with Gyokeres’ reps, they haven’t matched Arsenal’s financial conditions, meaning Arteta’s side are out in front as things stand.

The forward has bagged 44 goals in 44 appearances in all competitions, a truly incredible feat of proficiency, and reports suggest that he’d be allowed to leave for around £62-70 million – far lower than his £83 million release clause.

Following another prolific campaign in the Primeira Liga, it is a wonder why Gyokeres is still waiting for his big move, with some calling the player a “massively underrated” centre-forward.

Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou is facing the prospect of a key squad member being tempted away from N17 this summer, with the Spurs star now believed to be seriously keen on an exit before next season.

Players who are likely to leave Tottenham this summer

A host of players are up for the axe at Spurs, with some decisions reportedly already made behind-the-scenes.

Spurs doing groundwork to sign "exceptional" £55m winger; he's a key target

Tottenham are looking to make a splash in the summer transfer window.

ByDominic Lund Mar 25, 2025

After a lacklustre temporary spell in north London, RB Leipzig loanee Timo Werner is set to return to his parent club at the end of the season, with the Lilywhites and chairman Daniel Levy electing not to trigger the £8.5 million buy option in his contract.

Chelsea (away)

April 3rd

Southampton (home)

April 6th

Wolves (away)

April 13th

Nottingham Forest (home)

April 21st

Liverpool (away)

April 27th

Meanwhile, out-of-contract trio Sergio Reguilon, Alfie Whiteman and Fraser Forster are all set to leave Hotspur Way on free deals this summer, as their contracts tick down towards expiry on June 30.

Richarlison could also be sold by Tottenham, according to reports, following a season blighted by injuries for the Brazilian. Everton are believed to be expressing an interest in re-signing their former star striker, as per GiveMeSport, and Levy could take a £20 million loss on Richarlison by letting him go for around £40 million.

The likes of Manor Solomon and Bryan Gil, who have both enjoyed productive stints away from Spurs, on loan at Leeds United and Girona respectively, are also reportedly unlikely to be donning Lilywhites colours for the 2025/2026 season.

There is also the prospect of elite sides attempting to prise Postecoglou’s star players away, following what has been a disappointing second campaign in charge for the Tottenham boss.

Now, Diego Simeone’s Atlético Madrid are becoming seriously linked with a move for £165,000-per-week defender Cristian Romero.

Sky Sports reported this week that Atletico hold an interest in signing Romero this summer, with the Argentine believed to be a credible target for the La Liga side ahead of next campaign.

Some outlets have previously claimed that Levy could demand as much as £150 million to sell Romero, which may well be out of Atletico’s price range, but perhaps the centre-back himself could force through a move.

Cristian Romero determined to quit Tottenham after talks with his camp

As per reports from Spain, Romero “will do everything he can” to leave Tottenham this summer, and Atlético have already held talks with the South American’s camp as they ponder a move.

The 26-year-old is apparently ready to do his part in an attempt to seal a move away from north London, but it will also require a “significant investment” from Atlético, which Tottenham will demand if they even entertain the possibility of selling their crucial defender.

Simeone’s side appear determined, though, as they “dream” of striking a deal for Romero and luring him to the Wanda Metropolitano.

The former Atalanta star has been unable to exert his influence on the Spurs backline akin to last season, having spent the vast majority of this campaign sidelined through injury alongside partner Micky van de Ven. However, when fit and available, there is no denying he would be a sore miss and very difficult to replace.