Manchester United’s Transfer Position on Tottenham Defender Cristian Romero

Manchester United are not preparing a bid for Tottenham defender Cristian Romero, despite reports from Argentina on Monday night claiming the club were ready to make a move. United sources have dismissed the suggestion and say Romero is not on their summer shortlist.

Romero, 28, has been Tottenham captain during a difficult period in which the club finished 17th in back-to-back Premier League seasons. Spurs’ top-flight survival was under serious threat this term, although Roberto De Zerbi ultimately kept them in the division.

The defender missed the end of the campaign because of a knee injury. He returned to Argentina before heading back to England after criticism over his absence from the closing stages of the season. Romero has also been a regular source of controversy during his time at Spurs, with six red cards in total, including a dismissal against United at Old Trafford in February.

United are understood to be focusing their summer recruitment elsewhere. Midfield is a major priority, with a deal already agreed for Ederson from Atalanta. The club are also assessing options on the left side of the squad, including left-back targets.

Newcastle defender Lewis Hall is admired, but he has three years left on his contract and Eddie Howe is keen to keep him. United are also aware of their centre-back depth, with Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven all available as senior options.

Maguire and Martinez are currently viewed as the first-choice centre-back pairing, although both have had injury or suspension issues in recent months. Maguire missed two matches after being sent off against Bournemouth in March, while Martinez was sidelined between February and March with a calf problem. The Argentina international was also previously suspended for three games after being red-carded for pulling Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s ponytail in a match against Leeds at Old Trafford.

United’s current stance suggests Romero is not part of their plans, with the club instead concentrating on strengthening midfield and other areas of the squad this summer.