Tottenham Hotspur remain interested in landing a highly-rated Serie A centre-back, and they are currently locked in a three-horse race for his signature.
Based on reports over the last week, it appears Tottenham have successfully warded off Atletico Madrid’s interest in Cristian Romero.
However, that does not mean that the Argentine is destined to stay, as there have been some murmurs over recent days that Real Madrid could turn their attention towards Romero.
It was first reported at the start of the summer that Spurs were one of several clubs keen on landing Genoa defender Koni de Winter, who had allegedly been identified as a potential replacement for Romero.
A little over two weeks ago, Corriere dello Sport asserted that Tottenham have moved to the front of the queue to land De Winter, but it has now emerged that the Lilywhites are no longer the favourites to win the race for the Belgian international.
Tottenham are in a three-horse race for Koni de Winter
Gazzetta dello Sport have now backed up the claim about the North Londoners identifying the Genoa star as a potential Romero replacement.
However, Thomas Frank’s side will not find it easy to land De Winter, who is also thought to be on the wishlist of both Inter Milan and West Ham United.
It is alleged that the Nerazzurri have already held talks with Genoa regarding a deal for the 23-year-old, but the move is not close to being finalised.
West Ham have also ‘sounded out’ the versatile centre-back as the race for his signature heats up.
Inter Milan have an advantage over Tottenham for De Winter
Gazzetta say that the Belgian defender would prefer to remain in the Serie A next season, which might give last season’s Champions League runners-up an advantage over the two London sides.
However, the outlet also adds that Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham are willing to pay €25m (£21.6m) for De Winter, and it is up to Inter to equal that.
If Cristian Chivu’s side fail to offer a similar fee and close the deal quickly, the centre-back could be on his way to the Premier League.
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