Tottenham and Burnley have reportedly reopened talks over a highly-rated centre-back, with those Cristian Romero exit rumours continuing to circulate amid interest from Atletico Madrid.
Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a fair few centre-backs this summer window as rumours continue to fly in over the future of Cristian Romero.
While there is a strong feeling that Romero could depart this summer, it is claimed that Spurs have not yet received any fresh offers for their vice-captain.
Regardless, over the past few weeks, Spurs have been linked with the likes of Giorgio Scalvini, while Luka Vuskovic has also been tipped to be a possible Romero replacement this summer.
Tottenham reopen talks with Burnley for Maxime Esteve
A fresh report from L’Equipe now claims that Spurs and Burnley have resumed negotiations over a deal for Maxime Esteve, a player the north London club previously attempted to sign earlier this year.
In the final hours of the January transfer window, it was reported that Tottenham had submitted a bid in the region of €24 million (£20.7m) for Esteve, who remains under contract until 2029.
Burnley were said to have rejected that offer, but five months on, Spurs are once again being linked with a move for the 23-year-old.
The Tottenham hierarchy have allegedly re-established contact with the newly promoted club as they attempt to find a breakthrough in talks. Back in January, Burnley were holding out for a fee closer to €35 million (£30m), and it remains to be seen whether that valuation has shifted.
Esteve was named in the 2024/25 Championship Team of the Season, along with the likes of Jobe Bellingham and James Trafford.
Spurs interest in Esteve raises question about Cristian Romero
Of course, last winter, Tottenham found themselves in the middle of an injury crisis, as both Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven were sidelined for extended spells.
Spurs did not only express interest in Maxime Esteve during that window, as reports claimed that Tottenham also submitted a £70 million bid for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi.
That bid was ultimately rejected, and talk of a move for the England international has since cooled. With new reports emerging around Esteve, the question now is whether he is being eyed as a replacement for Romero or simply as an additional option to bolster the squad.
Have something to tell us about this article?
