Liverpool have reportedly enquired about the contractual situation of Argentine defender Cristian Romero, who is also a transfer target for Manchester United.
According to a report from Sky Sport Italia, Liverpool have lodged an enquiry for Atalanta’s on-loan defender Cristian Romero, who is also being pursued by fellow Premier League rivals Manchester United ahead of the upcoming transfer window.
Romero spent the formative years of his footballing career at Club Atletico Belgrano in his homeland, Argentina, before moving to Italy in 2018 when he signed for Genoa. After an impressive debut season, the centre-back was immediately snapped up by Juventus, who loaned him back to Genoa for the 2019/20 campaign.
The last summer window saw Romero leave Juventus on yet another loan spell, this time to Atalanta, where he emerged as a key figure in the backline for Gian Piero Gasperini’s side. Having played a huge role in La Dea qualifying for the UEFA Champions League once again, the 23-year-old Romero is expected to make his transfer to the club permanent this summer.
Despite that, Romero might not stay in Bergamo next season as clubs in England, particularly Manchester United, are circling to sign him up. It is no secret that the Red Devils are in the market for defensive reinforcements this summer, seeing as Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly have struggled for form and fitness over the past year.
With Axel Tuanzebe also facing an uncertain future at the club and Phil Jones not part of manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s plans, a move for a new central defender is very much warranted. This has seen Manchester United get linked to a host of centre-backs in recent weeks, although Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane seems to be high on the agenda for the Red Devils.
Nevertheless, they are seemingly keeping their options open, with Romero also a transfer target. And, widespread reports have indicated that Manchester United are ready to make an offer for the Argentine international. However, they could now potentially face competition from arch-rivals Liverpool, as per Sky Sport Italia.
Liverpool have already strengthened their backline with the arrival of Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig earlier this month. However, given Joel Matip’s sketchy track record with injuries, adding another centre-half can prove beneficial for Jurgen Klopp & co., especially given that Konate himself has had injury problems. At the same time, last season’s breakout star Nat Phillips is being linked with an exit.
Liverpool, to that end, have now enquired about Romero and his contractual situation, according to the aforementioned report. However, there has been no offer made by either them or Manchester United at the moment.
The 23-year-old remains contracted to Juventus, but Atalanta are expected to trigger their option to make his transfer permanent imminently. La Dea have no intentions of selling him in the summer either. But should a significant offer arrive, they could be forced into considering a sale. It now remains to be seen if either Liverpool or Manchester United make a move for Romero.