Kulusevski Committed to Spurs Regardless of Division; Romero Exit Looms

Tottenham face the very real prospect of seeing their squad decimated should they drop out of the Premier League, but one key player appears determined to stick around through thick and thin.

Dejan Kulusevski, the Swedish winger, has not featured for Spurs this season due to a persistent knee problem, yet transfer correspondent Gianluca Di Marzio insists the 25-year-old will remain committed to the club's cause come what may. Speaking to Sky Sports, the Italian journalist highlighted Kulusevski's character and mentality as reasons why manager De Zerbi will fight tooth and nail to keep him on the books.

"I definitely think Kulusevski will stay at Tottenham, even if they leave," Di Marzio explained. "He is a good example for other players and De Zerbi likes him. He has the right mentality, so I think Kulusevski can become one of the most important players in their project, regardless of whether they play in the Premier League or the Championship."

The absence of Kulusevski, alongside James Maddison and Mohammed Kudus—who has suffered a fresh setback in his recovery from a thigh injury—has left Tottenham bereft of creativity in attacking areas. Yet Di Marzio believes the versatile forward's presence could prove invaluable in any rebuilding effort, with the manager particularly drawn to his strong personality and experience.

The outlook appears rather different for skipper Cristian Romero, however. The Argentine defender's campaign has been ended prematurely following a knee injury sustained during the weekend defeat at Sunderland, and his World Cup participation now hangs in the balance.

Fabrizio Romano has now provided fresh insight into the centre-back's future, suggesting an exit from north London is increasingly likely this summer. Speaking on his YouTube channel, the transfer specialist revealed that all parties involved—both player and club—appear to be edging towards a parting of ways.

"There is a feeling around all people involved in this story, on player's side, and then on club side, it is probably going to be time for Cuti Romero to leave in the summer transfer window," Romano stated.

The 27-year-old's departure will not come cheap. While previous negotiations had been underpinned by a gentleman's agreement regarding a release clause with former chairman Daniel Levy, no such formal clause exists in his contract. This means Tottenham hold all the cards when it comes to setting the price tag.

"The price is up to Tottenham. It's Tottenham deciding, so we have to see how the negotiations will be," Romano explained. "There is interest from Europe, and also from abroad. For sure, there is a lot of interest in Romero, and the expectation of those around player and club is that something will happen in the summer. But again, it depends on the price."

Atletico Madrid have already expressed their desire to bring Romero to the Spanish capital in previous transfer windows and remain the leading candidate to secure his services. The severity of his knee injury could yet prove a complicating factor in any potential deal.