REAL MADRID will target Cristian Romero this summer – as they look to build a new back-line.
The Spanish giants are set to welcome Trent Alexander-Arnold as one of their marquee signings.
But SunSport can reveal that Real’s business is far from over.
Incoming boss Xabi Alonso is believed to be a huge fan of Romero and thinks he could be the perfect addition to help Real win silverware next season.
Reports last year suggested that Madrid made an ambitious move to land Romero last summer but Spurs had no interest in doing business.
However, after a miserable season which could see the Lilywhites finish 17th in the Premier League table, they may now have little option but to let Romero go this time around.
Spurs know they will find it especially difficult to persuade him to stay if they fail to beat Man Utd in the Europa League final and qualify for the Champions League.
Real Madrid’s defence has been highlighted in Spain as one of the main reasons for their failure to win La Liga or the Champions League this season.
And although the impending arrival of Alexander-Arnold will excite fans, the club know he alone will not be enough.
Question marks also exist around Alexander-Arnold’s defensive skills which has made a centre-back and even bigger priority for the club.
By pairing Romero with the likes of Antonio Rudiger, Los Blancos chiefs believe they could create a strong base from which to go and win the biggest trophies.
Alonso also prefers to play with a back three and if he continues with that formation at the Bernabeu it would make signing a new centre-back a priority.
Losing Romero would be a disaster for Spurs.
He’s a hugely popular player among supporters and his absence this season through injury has hit the team hard.
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