Cristian Romero finished at Tottenham amid Van de Ven transfer update
Cristian Romero is heading into his final weeks as a Tottenham Hotspur player with two of his big-name teammates set to stay.
The centre-back has consistently been linked with a move away from North London in recent transfer windows, but has stayed put so far, despite making his discontent clear at times.
However, sources say both Spurs and Romero do not expect him to be at the club beyond the summer transfer window.
Romero cuts a controversial figure at Spurs, and injuries and suspensions limited him to just 23 Premier League appearances last term.
He has been heavily linked with a move away from the Premier League this summer, with his actions after Argentina's semi-final win over England at the World Cup only adding further fuel to that fire.
Atletico Madrid are long-term admirers of the 28-year-old, while Inter Milan have also taken a strong interest of late.
Both Romero and Micky van de Ven have been heavily linked with moves away from Spurs in the past, and a moment of promise from the latter could now put the writing on the wall for the former.
Micky van de Ven seems open to new Tottenham contract
Van de Ven has also had his fair share of potential suitors in the last 12 months, with both Real Madrid and Liverpool linked with moves for him.
The Lilywhites' centre-back duo have been in the firing line at times, but their respective qualities cannot be denied when they are on top form.
Sources say Spurs have given "priority" to tying down both Pedro Porro and Van de Ven to new deals this summer.
Porro's future has now been settled, meaning the focus is now on Van de Ven, who seems open to the idea of extending his stay.
The Dutchman still has three years remaining on his current contract, but has now admitted that the club's "new ambition" is hugely "important" for established players like him.
That could certainly be seen as an indication that the 25-year-old is open to penning new terms, which would put Romero in a difficult situation.
Jan Paul van Hecke will surely start this term after his £52million move from Brighton, and if Van de Ven pens a new deal, then it will surely be him to partner the new man.
That would leave Romero as a back-up option for Roberto De Zerbi, and at this stage of his career, he would surely be unwilling to take on that role.
Cristian Romero convinced to leave by teammates
Former Tottenham scout Mick Brown recently told Football Insider that it is "certain" that Romero will move on this summer.
The ex-recruitment man suggested that his former club have already deemed the defender as too "inconsistent" for the next stage of their project.
Brown also believes that some of Romero's international teammates will have convinced him to move on, given that several play under Diego Simeone at Atletico.
Romero has caused plenty of issues for Tottenham both on and off the pitch in recent years, and they may finally be rid of him if they can tie Van de Ven down.