Tottenham show interest in Illia Zabarnyi, and they have set a budget to sign him

Tottenham Hotspur have expressed an interest in one of the best young defenders in the Premier League, and the North London club are ready to spend big to bring him through the door.

Reports over the last week have indicated that Tottenham expect Cristian Romero to stay at the club after refusing to even discuss his sale with Atletico Madrid.

In fact, it has been alleged that Atletico have now abandoned their pursuit of Romero and have turned their attention to other alternatives.

Even though they look on course to keep their vice-captain, the Lilywhites are reportedly prepared to drop a huge pile of cash to sign a Bournemouth centre-back.

Tottenham want Illia Zabarnyi but there is one problem

Sky Sports reporter Luca Bendoni has now taken to social media to reveal that Tottenham Hotspur have expressed an interest in Illia Zabarnyi.

In fact, he claims that Thomas Frank and co are willing to meet the Cherries’ asking price of €70m (£60.6m) including add-ons for the 22-year-old.

However, he adds that Zabarnyi’s preference is to move to Paris Saint-Germain, who have so far been unable to agree on a fee with Bournemouth.

Meanwhile, talkSPORT’s Alex Crook has also confirmed that Spurs have indeed made an approach for the Ukraine international.

What does this mean for Cristian Romero at Spurs?

It was claimed by Ben Jacobs in his recent appearance on The Last Word on Spurs that Tottenham may sign a centre-back even if Romero stays.

However, it is hard to imagine the Lilywhites spending upwards of £60m on a centre-back if they do not expect to lose the Argentine.

The only other explanation is that Frank is planning on predominantly using a back three at Spurs.

• READ MORE: Morgan Gibbs-White urged to sue ‘disgusting’ Nottingham Forest over Tottenham transfer