'Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid race to sign Tottenham player who looks their best'
Atletico Madrid have joined Real Madrid in the race to sign Tottenham star Cristian Romero, according to their former scout.
Mick Brown, who also worked as the chief scout at Man United and Blackburn and remains very well-connected at his former clubs, exclusively told Football Insider that Spurs could cash in on the 26-year-old if they can identify a replacement.
Diego Simeone's side have been highlighted as a potentially "ideal" destination, while Carlo Ancelotti is determined to strengthen his defensive options this summer.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider that Romero wants to join Real Madrid, although Los Blancos are expected to assess other options.
Real Madrid want to sign Arsenal’s William Saliba, who ranks among their top targets at centre-back, and are still considering multiple options for the role.
This could open the door for Atletico to swoop - but they will need to meet Tottenham's asking price before any deal can be agreed.
Atletico Madrid backed to secure £50million Cristian Romero deal
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 31 March that Tottenham would accept £50million for Romero as a result of his below-par form and injury concerns.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that Atletico Madrid would be the ideal destination for the centre-back.
"Tottenham have a decision to make about their centre-backs," he told Football Insider.
"We know they've been looking to sign a new one since the January window with their move for Guehi, and I think that would be to play alongside Van de Ven.
"Romero is a bit inconsistent for me.
"At times he looks like their best defender and then he does things which can cost them a game.
"So I have doubts about how far Tottenham are prepared to go with him to back him as one of the key members of their spine.
"If they could bring in a decent fee for him and somebody is willing to meet it, it would allow them to go and spend it on a new option.
"Postecoglou needs to build a bit of defensive stability and he'll want his prferred options for that.
"Now we're talking about the likes of Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid who are interested.
"At Atletico, playing under Simeone, that seems like the perfect fit for him.
"He'll want to go to Real Madrid, but I think they're going to look elsewhere at more of a solid and stable option, so Atletico is the one for me that makes the most sense."
Tottenham eye managerial targets after Ange Postecoglou latest
Football Insider revealed on 1 April that Postecoglou will be sacked by Tottenham if he cannot deliver Europa League success as pressure continues to grow.
As a result, the club have been assessing potential options to replace the manager at the end of the season as they line up a number of candidates.
Brown told Football Insider that Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola is their top target following a successful season at the Vitality Stadium.
Tottenham could agree a £10million deal to appoint the Spaniard as they will have to buy him out of the remainder of his contract with the Cherries.
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