LONDON — Tottenham Hotspur officials have identified Bournemouth center-back Marcos Senesi as the top candidate to replace Cristian Romero should the club captain depart at season’s end, according to reports from Fichajes.

Romero, 27, sparked controversy earlier this month by publicly slamming Tottenham’s inactive January transfer window as ‘unbelievable but true and disgraceful.’ Argentine journalist Gastón Edul later confirmed Romero’s exit this summer, despite the player’s rejection of prior offers from multiple clubs.

Spurs sit in turmoil after a wretched run of seven wins and 11 losses in 26 games. That streak prompted the sacking of manager Thomas Frank. Igor Tudor now holds the interim role through the campaign’s close. Champions League qualification looks remote without an improbable trophy run, a scenario that could trigger more big-name exits like Romero’s.

Senesi, 28, fits the bill perfectly for Tottenham. The 6-foot-4 Argentine brings Premier League seasoning, sharp ball-playing skills and stout defending. Fichajes reports Spurs view him as an ideal Romero heir. His contract expires this summer, opening the door for a free transfer rather than his £19 million valuation.

Advanced stats back up the hype. Senesi ranks joint-third in Europe’s top leagues with 77 deliveries into the opposition penalty area, trailing only Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni (93) and AC Milan’s Pierre Kalulu (77). He boasts 77.3% pass accuracy and has fired off 123 long-range passes, traits that mesh with Tottenham’s possession ambitions.

Defensively, Senesi shines too. He has won 120 ground duels, claimed 54 aerial battles and notched 183 clearances this season. Those numbers position him among the elite progressive center-backs.

Tottenham face stiff competition. Barcelona, Juventus and Borussia Dortmund all track Senesi closely for next summer. Spurs must rally their form to snag European football, a factor that could sway the defender’s choice.

Romero draws suitors of his own. Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid lead the chase for the World Cup winner, who has anchored Tottenham’s backline as captain. His potential sale would fund reinforcements, with Senesi emerging as priority target.

Bournemouth sit comfortably mid-table, but Senesi’s ambitions point upward. A move to Tottenham would reunite him with compatriot Romero’s spot, bolstering a defense desperate for stability. Spurs brass now push to salvage the season and lure top talent like the towering stopper.