Man Utd wanted to sign Tottenham star this summer with offers expected again next year

Manchester United were one of three teams interested in signing Cristian Romero this summer with Tottenham refusing to listen to offers for their centre-half.

Romero initially joined Tottenham on loan from Atalanta in 2021 with the move made permanent the following year in a deal worth £46million.

The 26-year-old has developed into one of the best centre-halves in the Premier League, forming an impressive partnership under Micky van de Ven under Ange Postecouglou in north London having also played a key role in Argentina’s recent World Cup and Copa America triumphs.

TYC Sports report there was substantial interest in Romero during the summer transfer window with United, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain showing interest in luring him away from Spurs.

Tottenham however informed the three clubs that their prized defender was not for sale, refusing to enter any negotiations or even put a price on him.

Romero is viewed as a crucial player at Tottenham with the report stating the coaching staff and management team were in agreement now was not the time to cash in.

But TYC claim interest is likely to re-emerge next summer, when Romero will have two years left on his contract.

A move to United would have seen Romero link up with his international teammate Lisandro Martinez at the heart of United’s defence, with the two now the first choice pairing for the international team.

United sought to revamp their defensive options during the summer transfer window with Raphael Varane, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Willy Kambwala among those leaving the club.

Erik ten Hag’s side saw off interest from Real Madrid to sign Leny Yoro from Lille in a £52m deal, securing the services of a defender regarded as one of the best young talents in European football.

Yoro suffered a broken metatarsal in his second appearances for the club in a pre-season clash against Arsenal in July and is not expected to return until November.

Having failed in their pursuit of Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, United also signed Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich for £42m.