According to journalist Duncan Castles, Tottenham Hotspur have just submitted a mammoth offer for one of the quickest centre-backs in the Premier League, but there is one problem for the North Londoners.
Tottenham Hotspur are certainly not short of options at centre-back, with Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Kevin Danso, Radu Dragusin, Ben Davies, Kota Takai and Luka Vuskovic in their squad.
While Romero’s future continues to be the subject of speculation, the Argentine did captain Spurs in the first half of their pre-season friendly against Reading last week.
Thomas Frank has batted away questions about Romero leaving Tottenham, but the North London club’s transfer activity suggests that they are still worried about losing the 27-year-old.
Tottenham submit an offer for Illia Zabarnyi
A few days ago, it emerged that Tottenham are willing to spend big on Bournemouth’s Illia Zabarnyi, who is also wanted by Paris Saint-Germain.
Journalist Duncas Castles has now revealed that Zabarnyi wants to move to the French capital, but PSG are only willing to pay €60m (£52m) for his services.
However, he asserts that Tottenham have already made a bid of €70m (£60.7m) for the Ukrainian, which is more than the fixed component of the fee they paid for Dominic Solanke, who is Spurs’ record signing.
Castles said on The Transfers Podcast: “Illia Zabarnyi, who Paris Saint-Germain have been working on a deal for about six months in reality, but actively working with Bournemouth for three months, I’m told, their offer for the Ukraine centre back is €60m.
“They believe they should be able to secure the player at that price, and the player definitely wants to come to them — has agreed personal terms with PSG and is pushing for the move.
“But Tottenham, one of several Premier League clubs who are unsurprisingly interested in the 22-year-old, one of the quickest centre-backs in the Premier League and almost a perfect attendance record in the Premier League over his two seasons at Bournemouth.
“Guidance from Bournemouth is that Tottenham have offered €70m for the player, which is owner Bill Foley’s asking price, and which would represent a new club record transfer fee for Tottenham, exceeding the initial £55m with £10m of variables that they paid Bournemouth for Dominic Solanke last summer.”
Why Cristian Romero’s exit remains on the cards at Spurs
A number of outlets have reported over recent weeks that Tottenham are ready to make Romero their highest earner to keep him at the club.
However, despite this, the centre-back, who has two years left on his deal, appears no closer to agreeing a new contract, with some sources stating that Romero wants to leave Tottenham for a new challenge.
One would thus think that Spurs would not be in a position to turn down around £60m-£70m for Romero this summer, which explains the Lilywhites’ keenness to land Zabarnyi.
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