Man Utd wanted to sign 26y/o Messi called ‘best defender in the world right now’ - report
Manchester United were keen on signing Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero during the summer transfer window, according to TyC Sports journalist Gaston Edul.
Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid were also keen on the 26-year-old Argentina international, whom Lionel Messi dubbed ‘the best defender in the world right now’ in September 2023 for his top performance after a 1-0 win over Ecuador.
However, Spurs did not entertain offers from Man United and others, insisting Romero is not for sale and refusing to put a price tag on him as he is a key player under manager Ange Postecoglou.
While the Argentine will remain at Tottenham for now, offers are expected to come in for him next summer as he would have just two years left on his contract by then.
Spurs could be forced to sell him if he does not show any signs of signing an extension, but whether Man United will be back for him remains to be seen.
The Red Devils signed defensive trio Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui in the summer for a combined £119 million and may not see the need to further strengthen their options at centre-back anytime soon.
They also have Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans in the position, and while Romero will make Man United better at the back, signing him or another centre-back is unlikely to be a top priority.
The former Atalanta star is in his fourth season in the Premier League and has weighed in with seven goals and an assist in 101 appearances.
Romero was named Serie A best defender in 2020-21 and has won one World Cup and two Copa America titles at international level.
He indeed has what it takes to play for Man United but the Red Devils could be looking to sign quality players in other positions instead next summer.