Tottenham: First six fixtures of 2021/22 Premier League season
Tottenham have reportedly switched their attention signing Cristian Romero onto Chris Smalling. Spurs have already been busy in the transfer market with Bryan Gil arriving from Sevilla.
Tottenham want to sign a new centre back (Image: GETTY)
Davinson Sanchez, Eric Dier and Joe Rodon are the only senior centre back options at the club while Japhet Tanganga has also proven to be capable in defence.
It has been suggested that Santo would like to play with three central defenders, much like he did during his time in charge at Wolves.
And Atalanta's Romero had been targeted as Tottenham's first-choice for the summer transfer window.
Tottenham's new footballing director Fabio Paratici has supposedly been in contact with Atalanta.
But there is said to be a huge gap between Tottenham and Atalanta's valuation, with the Serie A club wanting £46million.
Spurs aren't prepared to pay anywhere close to that and it seems Tottenham are now looking at alternative options.
And, according to Calciomercato's Enrico Camelio, Smalling has emerged as an option for Spurs.
It is claimed that Tottenham have 'cooled' their interest in Romero due to their reluctance in meeting Atalanta's valuation.
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Nuno Espirito Santo may want to play with three centre backs (Image: GETTY)
“The Romero track has cooled down, it seems to me that there is an interest in Smalling," Camelio said on Calciomercato TV.
Any interest in signing Smalling though would see Tottenham have to deal with Jose Mourinho, who is the new manager at Roma.
Spurs sacked Mourinho back in April with the Portuguese coach being confirmed as Roma's new boss a few weeks later.
Mourinho has managed Smalling in the past as well with the English defender proving to be a popular pick for the iconic boss during their time together at Manchester United.