Fabrizio Romano says Fabio Paratici could be working on a 'surprise' Tottenham transfer deal now

By Sam Preston

Journalist Fabrizio Romano says that Fabio Paratici could be working on a surprise Tottenham deal at centre-half.

In an interview with Wettfreunde, Romano raised the prospect that a central defender who is not widely reported as being on Tottenham’s radar could yet join.

Romano names the likes of Mohamed Simakan, Josko Gvardiol and Pau Torres as potential new additions, and Tottenham interest in the trio has already been reported.

But the journalist also says that Tottenham could sign a new defender under the radar during a window where they are getting their business done quickly.

Paratici could be working on surprise Tottenham deal

Romano said: “Tottenham’s goals in central defence will depend on the price. I can tell you that one of the players they have been watching for a long time is Mohamed Simakan from RB Leipzig. Another player they greatly appreciate is Josko Gvardiol. These are two players who really like them, but it depends on the price.

“We know how difficult it is to negotiate with Leipzig. In terms of top goals: Pau Torres was on the verge of moving to Tottenham a year ago. It could happen this summer, depending on the negotiations with Giovani Lo Celso. But so far there is nothing concrete. We heard rumours about a possible move for Torres a few days or weeks ago.

“But at the moment there is nothing in sight. Alessandro Bastoni was a top target, but he remains with Inter. Milan Škriniar would have the opportunity to leave. Maybe to move to PSG, who are ahead at the moment. But Bastoni is a really complicated matter.

“I’m sure Tottenham will get a central defender because Antonio Conte really wants one. For the moment, you have to keep an eye on RB Leipzig’s attackers in particular. But they are not easy to negotiate. I wouldn’t be surprised if Fabio Paratici (Tottenham’s sporting director) conjures a surprise out of the hat, because he is washed with all waters.”

Yves Bissouma pretty much came out of nowhere when it was first seriously reported and within days it was done.

A new central defender is even more important for Tottenham and the fans will think they know all the major targets, because they have been so well reported on.

But Romano suggests there could be one that very few people know about, which is one to keep an eye on and it would be such a boost for Spurs if they could get a player of the right quality through the door under the radar.