Tottenham news: Conte tipped to sign defender ‘just like Ibrahima Konate’
Noel Whelan has tipped Tottenham to sign another “top-quality” centre-half in the mould of Liverpool third choice Ibrahima Konate.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted Antonio Conte needs to build his defence around Cristian Romero, 23, during the off-season.
As quoted by The Guardian last Tuesday (8 February), Conte confirmed Romero will turn his loan move from Atlanta permanent at the end of the season.
The Italian manager called the Argentina international “perfect” for the Premier League and said having him back from injury was “like a new signing” for Spurs.
However, Whelan suggested Tottenham should be looking to sign another centre-back to play alongside Romero next season.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “I think Conte knows the importance of having an Argentina international in Romero. He’s not had him very much in the time since he’s taken over
“I think having him back will be a breath of fresh air, having that experience. He’s probably the best defender they’ve got at centre-half.
“I think it gives confidence to the player and that stability that he’s going to be at the football club and they’re going to make it permanent.
“But again, you’re going to need another centre-half next to him. You’ve seen Liverpool go out there with Konate coming in. I think they need to get another top-quality centre-half just like him who can play with Romero, and that’s what will happen.
“That’s the one thing you’ve got with Man City, Chelsea and Liverpool. There’s that continuity with two, three, if not four, quality, international centre-halves that you can trust whenever they come in to do a job.
“Unfortunately, Tottenham don’t have that. You’ve got Sanchez who is a bit erratic and very inconsistent. Romero really needs somebody he can trust next to him.
“Come summertime, defensively and centre-halves is where Conte needs to be looking at. I don’t think the centre-halves they have are good enough, quite frankly.”
Spurs currently have Eric Dier, Davinson Sanchez, Joe Rodon and Japhet Tanganga as other centre-back options.
Romero has played 16 times for Tottenham this season, with a hamstring injury keeping him out between November and February.
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