Romero race heats up as Spurs brace for captain exit

Cristian Romero could be the name that turns this transfer window spicy, with TEAMtalk reporting that Tottenham Hotspur are preparing for the possible departure of their club captain.

The report says Spurs want £50 million for the Argentina defender, though they may have to accept closer to £40 million. Inter Milan have made an enquiry, while Real Madrid and Barcelona have discussed the 28-year-old, according to TEAMtalk.

Atlético Madrid are also watching, with the report saying the Spanish club have tracked Romero for years. Tottenham have already added centre-backs Jan Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi this summer, and TEAMtalk says the club are preparing new contract talks with Micky van de Ven.

Juventus eye Balogun

Folarin Balogun is also drawing attention. Mundo Deportivo reports that Juventus, Borussia Dortmund and Sunderland are all interested in the Monaco striker, with signs pointing toward the United States international leaving the Ligue 1 club.

Juventus are described by Mundo Deportivo as the strongest-positioned club for the 25-year-old, despite already having Jonathan David, Loïs Openda and new signing Jeff Ekhator in their forward group. Dortmund and Sunderland are said to be monitoring Balogun as well.

Milan dream of Foden deal

AC Milan have their eyes on Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden, according to Tuttosport, but any move would likely depend on Rafael Leão leaving San Siro first.

Tuttosport reports City could consider a sale in the €50 million to €60 million range, roughly the amount Milan expect they could receive if Leão moves on. The report says no formal talks are under way, though the clubs have a good relationship after Tijjani Reijnders moved to Manchester City last summer.

Salah linked with Besiktas

Mohamed Salah is close to joining Besiktas, Footmercato reports. The 34-year-old free agent is said to have reached an agreement with the Turkish club.

According to Footmercato, the proposed deal would pay Salah €10 million per year, with another €2 million possible in bonuses. The contract would run for one season, with an option for a second. The former Liverpool forward has also been linked with Sporting Kansas City of MLS.

Arsenal rethink defensive cover

Arsenal are likely to add a defender while keeping Ben White, TEAMtalk reports, as the club looks for cover during William Saliba’s injury absence.

The report says Arsenal have recently monitored several right-backs, including Roma’s Wesley, Sporting CP’s Iván Fresneda, Eintracht Frankfurt’s Nnamdi Collins and Newcastle United’s Tino Livramento. Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa is now viewed as a serious option because he can play both centre-back and right-back, according to TEAMtalk.

More moves bubbling

• Tuttosport reports Dusan Vlahovic could return to Juventus if the free agent striker lowers his wage demands, while he has not responded to Besiktas and still hopes to re-enter Barcelona’s plans.
• talkSPORT says Tottenham are open to selling Djed Spence, with Inter Milan interested.
• The Times reports Chelsea would need to pay £55 million for Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix, who wants to leave Selhurst Park.
• Fabrizio Romano reports Paris Saint-Germain remain in active talks for Monaco winger Maghnes Akliouche, who wants the move.
• TEAMtalk says Tottenham are nearing an agreement for Manchester City winger Savinho.
• Football Insider reports Manchester United are considering Nottingham Forest full-back Neco Williams.
• The Athletic reports Tottenham have rejected Newcastle United’s £46 million bid for Lucas Bergvall.

This story draws on original reporting from ESPN.com.