Tottenham ‘already have Romero replacement’ after what int’l manager just said
Tottenham may need to replace Cristian Romero shortly as interest in the defender heats up.
The Argentine star is set to enter the final two years of his contract in North London, which has led to uncertainty over his future.
Injury has restricted the 26-year-old to just 14 Premier League appearances this term, and Spurs could be set to cash in with the likes of Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid interested in his services.
The Lilywhites have started planning for a future without their star man, with interest in the likes of Jarrad Branthwaite and Koni De Winter, but a readymade replacement may be within their ranks already.
Luka Vuskovic can replace Romero after Croatia boss claims
Luka Vuskovic is highly rated at Tottenham and has impressed on loan at Westerlo in Belgium, as he cannot join the Lilywhites until he is 18 years old.
He notched his eighth goal of the campaign in the Croatia Under-23s’ 3-1 win against Thailand on Tuesday (25 March).
Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic has admitted that the Spurs youth star is in contention for the senior squad after the France clash on 23 March, saying via TBR: “It’s too early, we’re still thinking by the game with France, we have three months to prepare these things.
“He’s definitely a player we’re focusing on, we played the last 15 minutes in Paris with three defenders, we have good solutions there.”
Tottenham can benefit from Vuskovic emergence
Romero’s potential departure would leave a huge hole in Ange Postecoglou’s squad, given his importance to the backline, but that could be filled by Vuskovic.
It would save Spurs from entering the market for a replacement and allow them to focus their finances on other areas of the squad that need improving.
| Stats (Belgian league) | Vuskovic |
| Matches | 28 |
| Goals | 7 |
| Ground duels won | 166 (65.9%) |
| Aerial duels won | 112 (71.8%) |
The 18-year-old has been one of the best centre-backs in the Belgian top-flight this season and has shown that he is not afraid of playing at the top level, featuring 28 times in the league.
Vuskovic has emerged as a potent threat in front of the goal and even scored a stunning overhead kick in December.
Spurs paid £12million for the young Croatian ace, beating the likes of Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain to his services, and that could turn into great value if he can make an immediate impact on the first team if Romero departs.