Fabrizio Romano: Van de Ven to Man Utd, Tchouameni to Chelsea, Barcelona’s dream signing

Fabrizio Romano has delivered the latest updates from the transfer window, including big Manchester United and Chelsea’s hunt for a €100 million midfield star.

Micky van de Ven to Man Utd

Manchester United have been linked with a move for Tottenham centre-back Micky van de Ven, but Romano believes the Red Devils have other more pressing priorities.

“At Tottenham there is a situation to clarify in general with the centre-backs. Now, obviously it’s time to fight in the Premier League, to stay in the Premier League, to avoid relegation, and also to try their best possible in the Champions League,” Romano told his YouTube channel.

“But in the summer, it’s going to be time to clarify the future of the defenders – Cuti Romero and/or Micky van de Ven. I don’t see Tottenham selling both of them. This would not be in Tottenham style.

“But there is obviously a lot of attention on the players because they are among the best centre-backs in the world. So several clubs are following these situations.

“On Van de Ven and Manchester United – these rumours around in the last 24, 48 hours coming from England – I received many questions. But guys, I’m not aware of anything really serious or concrete at this stage. Appreciating Micky Van de Ven is absolutely normal, he’s one of the best defenders around. It’s absolutely normal to have this kind of story on many clubs.

“But at the moment, the focus for Man United and the big spending is going to be on midfielders.

“Then for Man United to sign a defender, I think it’s a possibility in the summer. Let’s see what happens with Maguire – if he’s going to stay or leave. But at the moment, for Micky van de Ven and Man United, there is nothing really serious or concrete.”

Man Utd midfield plans

Romano mentioned the importance of signing a midfielder to Man Utd, but what are their plans in this area?

“In order to understand who is going to be the player or the players – because it might be one, it might be two midfielders – we will see what’s going to happen. Casemiro is leaving, so I think they’re going to be busy in midfield,” Romano said.

“But to understand what kind of player they want to sign, we have to wait for two factors.

“The first one is Champions League football. This is financial, technical, but also financial. If you play Champions League you can attract some players – but for Man United it’s never been a big problem, to be honest. Look at last summer, they were able to get the green light from Cunha, from Mbeumo, despite not being in European football. But financially, Champions League access would mean a lot in terms of investments for the summer transfer window.

“And then there is the manager. That’s the second factor. Carrick is doing fantastic. I think if he keeps going like this he will have very good chances to stay. But at the moment it’s still not something decided, not something communicated. It’s not something they decide in February, and I think not even at the beginning of March. So we have to wait and see what happens with the manager.

“On Scott McTominay, at the moment my understanding is that Napoli are in contact with McTominay’s camp to sign a new contract. So Napoli in the next month want to try to reach an agreement, to reward him with a better salary.

“We know McTominay did not just well, but fantastic at Napoli, especially in the first season. And this season when he’s been fit, he’s always been great. For sure one of the best players in Serie A, if not the best, and doing fantastic.

“But at the moment Napoli are completely focused on this contract extension. So I’m not aware of anything advanced with Man United. Man United have a list with several midfielders, but the decision will be made later on.”

Tchouameni to Chelsea: Romano reveals all

Chelsea are also rumoured to be interested in midfielders ahead of the summer. Real Madrid’s €100 million star Aurelien Tchouameni is one of the players they have studied, so is a move possible?

“There have been many links between Tchouameni and Chelsea in recent days,” Romano confirmed. “But again, I’m answering the question as I did with Barcelona and Man United. Do I expect Chelsea to try to do something in midfield? I think it’s a possibility, because Chelsea already looked at midfielders in the January transfer window.

“But Tchouameni, first of all, is a crucial player for Real Madrid. Second, he’s on a very big salary. He’s considered a crucial player at Madrid. So I don’t think this is an easy deal at all.

“And also at the moment with Chelsea, there is nothing really strong or concrete in terms of talks or negotiations. At the moment everything is quiet around Tchouameni.

“I also saw someone saying Eduardo Camavinga would be the perfect replacement for Casemiro. Yes, but these are fantastic players. Real Madrid, I don’t think they have any intention to change their plans in midfield. They would eventually add a player in midfield, not let one go.

“So at this stage this is the reality. Still a long time before the summer. If something happens with Tchouameni, with Camavinga, and also with Real Madrid incoming in midfield, we will for sure let you know.”

Romano reveals Barcelona’s dream signing

Barcelona are targeting a move for Alessandro Bastoni, earmarking the centre-back as a key signing.

“What I can tell you on Bastoni and Barcelona is that for sure Barcelona consider Alessandro Bastoni as one of the potential dream signings for the summer transfer window. But Barcelona have still not started any sort of conversation with Inter, any sort of proposal, any sort of negotiation. So it’s way too early to know if Barcelona will really go for Alessandro Bastoni or not,” he said.

“What I can tell you is that he’s considered internally at Barca as one of the best defenders around.

“Do we expect Barcelona to sign a defender in the summer? Yes, I do. Yes, I do, because Barcelona want to add a defender to the squad. They already wanted to do that in January. It was not possible because there were no players available for a limited budget. In the summer it’s going to be a different budget.

“That’s why they signed Cancelo on loan – to consider eventually Kounde as a centre-back and Cancelo as a right-back when needed.

“But don’t forget Inter’s position. For Inter, Bastoni is an absolutely crucial player. They would ask, I think, for big, big, big money for Alessandro Bastoni. So this is not an easy deal.

“Nothing has started in terms of negotiations. So at the moment there is appreciation, but nothing else.”