Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Cristian Romero is being eyed by Real Madrid and he may be tempted by a move, according to a report.
The Lowdown: Spurs struggling defensively
It is no secret that Tottenham have been plagued by defensive issues this season, conceding 35 goals in the Premier League, more than the likes of relegation-threatened Everton and West Ham United.
While the defence has struggled as a collective, Romero has missed a total of eight games through injury, meaning the likes of Eric Dier and Clement Lenglet have received more game time, and both have been criticised by pundit Ally McCoist.
The Latest: Real Madrid eyeing Romero
According to Spanish sources (via Sport Witness), the 24-year-old is on Real Madrid's agenda for a transfer this summer, although he is only considered a plan B, with Josko Gvardiol still their priority target.
Carlo Ancelotti is said to be keen on the Argentinian, who he views as an ideal partner for Eder Militao, and there is a suggestion that the centre-back would be tempted by a move to the Spanish capital, due to Spurs failing to challenge for trophies.
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The Verdict: Romero must stay
The 24-year-old has proven just how vital he is to Conte's side since returning from injury, and this is underlined by Tottenham keeping clean sheets in the last three Premier League games that he has started.
In the one game that the colossus missed during that time, the Lilywhites were on the receiving end of a 4-1 defeat away at Leicester City, a match in which Eric Dier disappointed yet again while Japhet Tanganga also struggled.
Hailed as 'magnificent' by journalist Josh Bunting, the £165k-per-week titan is tough-tackling, ranking in the 97th percentile for tackles completed per 90 in the past year compared to other defenders, scoring far higher than Dier.
Given that Romero is contracted until 2027, Spurs have no pressing need to cash-in, and so they should look to reject any advance from Real Madrid in the summer transfer window.