Sergio Ramos passes instruction to a teammate (Getty Images)
According to the London Evening Standard (h/t The Mirror), Tottenham are keeping close tabs on Real Madrid stalwart Sergio Ramos ahead of a potential swoop on a free transfer next summer.
The 34-year-old’s existing deal at the Bernabeu is set to expire at the end of the season and negotiations with the Los Blancos have so far failed to reach a positive conclusion. Ramos’ unresolved contract scenario in Spain has put several English clubs on red alert while PSG are also understood to be lining him up on a free transfer.
As per the report, Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho is keen to bring in a natural leader to bolster his backline. The Special One worked at close quarters with the World Cup winner during his three-year managerial stint at the Bernabeu, with the pair instrumental in Madrid’s 2011-12 La Liga triumph.
Despite his advancing years, Ramos remains a key player and a regular starter at the heart of Real Madrid’s defence. The Spaniard is very much one of the most decorated centre-backs of his generation, having won the 2010 FIFA World Cup in addition to four Champions League titles and six La Liga crowns over the course of an illustrious career.
The report clearly states that Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane is confident of Ramos putting pen to paper on a new deal in the coming months. However, the veteran is now keen to embrace a new challenge as he approaches the twilight of his career, having spent more than 15 years at the Bernabeu.
Tottenham aren’t really crying out for defensive reinforcements at the moment. Mourinho’s more measured approach as compared to his predecessor Mauricio Pochettino has helped shore up the club’s backline.
The Lilywhites conceded 47 goals in the PL last term but have only shipped 15 goals in 15 games so far this season. With Man City being the only club to concede fewer goals, Tottenham’s improvement at the back certainly can’t be overlooked.
Eric Dier has established himself as one of the kingpins of Spurs’ backline alongside Toby Alderweireld. With Davinson Sanchez and summer signing Joe Rodon as handy alternatives, Tottenham look pretty well-stocked at the heart of the defence.
Having said that, however, the acquisition of a serial winner like Sergio Ramos would still be an almighty coup for Tottenham. The Spaniard’s potential availability on a free transfer next summer is bound to increase his appeal to any potential suitor. The 34-year-old is still one of the best centre-backs around in the game and he looks hungry for even more success.
Tottenham should take a page out of Chelsea’s book in their pursuit of Sergio Ramos. Frank Lampard’s side snapped up Thiago Silva on a free transfer in the summer and the Brazilian has been one of the best-performing centre-backs in the PL this season. Ramos, to that end, would also be an excellent addition to Tottenham’s ranks.
They already have two world-class attackers in the form of Harry Kane and Heung-min Son and the arrival of Ramos as a natural leader at the back could well be the final jigsaw in Mourinho’s puzzle as the Portuguese talisman looks to end the ongoing drought for silverware in the white half of North London.