Tottenham Hotspur have set their sights on one of the most exciting centre-backs in La Liga, amidst the rumours circulating over Cristian Romero.
Over recent weeks, it has emerged that Micky van de Ven could push to join an ‘elite club’ in the summer as Liverpool eyes a move for the Dutchman.
Over the last few days, reports from Argentina have claimed that Cristian Romero also wants to leave Tottenham in the summer, after seemingly growing frustrated with the club’s transfer policy.
Tottenham fans will be equally frustrated with Romero himself this evening after the Argentine’s red card in the 2-0 defeat to Man United.
While one would not expect the Lilywhites to let either player go without a fight, they are now reportedly looking at potential options to fall back on in the event of their possible exits.
Tottenham eyeing move for Athletic Club Bilbao star Aitor Paredes
Fichajes have now claimed that Aitor Paredes’ imposing physical presence at the back for Athletic Club Bilbao has sparked interest from Premier League clubs.
One of those is Tottenham, who have identified Paredes as a possible option after learning that their two first-choice centre-backs are on the radar of some of the most powerful clubs across Europe.
The Spurs decision makers believe that the 25-year-old is the ‘ideal profile’ to succeed in the Premier League, and they believe he has the ‘defensive prowess to lead their new sporting project’.
The report adds that the deal will be ‘developed gradually over the coming weeks’, with the Lilywhites set to employ agents to assess the feasibility of a summer transfer.
How much will Spurs have to pay for Aitor Paredes?
Fichajes say that Tottenham Hotspur are aware that negotiating with Athletic Club will not be easy, given the Basque club’s very particular transfer policies.
However, the North London club have the financial resources that allow it to ‘dream of’ landing Paredes.
The report reveals that the centre-back is protected by a €40m (£34.8m) fee, and Spurs have the economic muscle to pay that fee.
The publication adds that such an investment ‘is fully justified’ for Tottenham, given their need to strengthen their backline.