Tottenham 'expect' Cristian Romero to leave after formal Jan Paul van Hecke bid

Tottenham Hotspur expect Cristian Romero to leave the club this summer and have acclerated plans to sign a new centre-back.

The 28-year-old is not believed to be a part of Roberto De Zerbi's plans, and efforts are now underway to bring in a replacement in anticipation of a bid.

Spurs have already made a formal offer for Van Hecke, and despite seeing it rejected by Brighton, remain confident they can get a deal over the line.

Former Tottenham scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Ven Hecke is seen as a direct replacement for Romero, who will be allowed to leave for the right price.

The Argentina international endured a nightmare season in North London, and concerns about his attitude and commitment mean he is likely to be moved on.

Could Tottenham accept offer for Cristian Romero?

Brown told Football Insider last week that Tottenham are open to offers for Romero as De Zerbi plans to replace him before the beginning of next season.

Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid have both been long-term admirers of the centre-back, while his father suggested he would be keen to move to a Spanish club.

As a result, Spurs are now preparing for life without Romero, and Van Hecke has emerged as their first-choice target to replace him.

"There are doubts about Romero, they expect him to move on," Brown told Football Insider.

"Everybody always says what a good player he is when he's available, but it's his attitude and application which have always been the big problem with him.

"Van Hecke is somebody they’ve admired for a while, and I’ve always liked the look of him at Brighton, I think he’s really stepped up in recent years.

"Tottenham feel the time has come for Romero to move on, but of course he will need replacing because he's still been a regular player for them.

"Van Hecke would tick a lot of boxes in that regard, he could come into the side to replace him with his height and physicality, and he's not bad with the ball at his feet.

"There are a lot of positives to the idea that he could replace Romero, and it will be a step in the right direction for De Zerbi getting his ideas across as well."

Will Tottenham sign Jan Paul van Hecke this summer?

Van Hecke has been a player on Tottenham's radar for a whille, with scouts keeping tabs on his progress at Brighton for well over a year with a move in mind.

An opening bid has already been dismissed by Brighton, who are looking for a significant fee, but De Zerbi is now pushing to get a deal over the line early.

Brown first told Football Insider in December that Tottenham scouts have been watching Van Hecke, and they have now stepped up their interest.

The new manager is playing a key role in talks as he has previously worked with the centre-back during his time at the Amex, making him key to any deal.

Spurs are now expected to return with an improved offer as they work towards a fee which works for both clubs.