Tottenham make brutal call on fan-favourite star ahead of clash with Atletico Madrid.

Tottenham are reportedly planning a major squad rebuild and are willing to part ways with a big-name player as part of the overhaul.

Spurs have endured a miserable Premier League campaign and are currently battling to avoid relegation under interim boss Igor Tudor, who stepped in after Thomas Frank. The North London side sits just one point above the drop zone.

Despite their domestic struggles, Spurs have impressed in the UEFA Champions League and have progressed to the knockout stages, where they face Atletico Madrid in the round of 16 for a place in the quarter-finals.

Ahead of that clash, reports claim the club is preparing a significant shake-up of their underperforming squad.

According to the Telegraph, Tottenham would be willing to sell club captain Cristian Romero even if they manage to avoid relegation. The Argentine defender initially joined Spurs on loan before the move was made permanent and has since made more than 150 appearances for the club, eventually being handed the captain’s armband.

However, despite his leadership role, Romero’s future in North London is now uncertain, with Atletico Madrid reportedly long-time admirers of the 27-year-old. Their Champions League meeting could even serve as a potential showcase for the defender.

Tottenham may look to sell players like Romero to raise funds for a summer rebuild. While he remains key to their fight against relegation, the club reportedly believes a separation at the end of the season could suit all parties.

Romero signed a new contract and was named captain last summer, but his campaign has been overshadowed by disciplinary issues, including several red cards. He has also publicly criticised the club in recent months.

The report also suggests Romero pushed for a move away last summer after Spurs’ UEFA Europa League Final victory over Manchester United, but the club blocked the transfer and valued him at over £60 million.

Romero may not be the only player heading for the exit. Tottenham are also said to be open to selling goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario and full-back Pedro Porro.

Meanwhile, the club hopes to keep centre-back Micky van de Ven, though he could still consider a move away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Tottenham would also prefer to retain key players including Dominic Solanke, Conor Gallagher, Mohammed Kudus, Xavi Simons, Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall, James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski as they plan their rebuild.