Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has poured cold water on Tottenham's apparent pursuit of Bournemouth centre-back Illia Zabarnyi, insisting that there have been no talks between the two clubs regarding the Ukrainian.
While Spurs have signed Japanese international Kota Takai and Luka Vuskovic this summer, there have been plenty of reports suggesting the club could sign another centre-back before the window closes on September 1.
The club may well have expected a stiffer pursuit from Atletico Madrid for Cristian Romero entering the window, but the Spaniards' admittance of failure means it currently looks likely that the Argentine will remain in north London.
Despite Frank's abundance of options at the heart of defence, the Dane's willingness to shift to a back three means Spurs are seemingly in the market for another high-quality arrival in the backline.
Tottenham not in the market for Bournemouth centre-back Illia Zabarnyi
🚨🔴🔵 Ilya Zabarny wants PSG and Paris Saint-Germain are set to improve their bid!
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 22, 2025
The verbal agreement has been reached with Zabarny in June and PSG are set to approach Bournemouth again.
No active talks with Tottenham so far despite reports. pic.twitter.com/wBtCeoagYD
Paris Saint-Germain have been all over Bournemouth's Zabarnyi at the start of the summer window, but the European champions have struggled their way through negotiations with the Cherries.
Having already lost Milos Kerkez and Dean Huijsen from their defence, Bournemouth will only let Zabarnyi leave for their hefty asking price—believed to be in the £60m region.
There had been reports that Spurs were willing to meet this valuation, but the reputable Romano doesn't buy the rumours. The Italian says there are "no active talks" between the Lilywhites and Cherries for the Ukrainian, with PSG hoping to soon strike a deal, having reached an agreement with the player in June.
Another bid is imminent.
Still, there may well be truth in our reported interest in signing a new centre-back. However, I really don't see the need to spend big—in the Zabarnyi price range—if Romero remains at the club. Given what we've seen from Vuskovic, the potential of Takai, and the capacity of several players to play in the wider roles of a back three, we look pretty well stocked at the heart of defence.
If we are to sign somebody, I'd like it to be a versatile operator capable of functioning as a centre-back and full-back. A Jorrel Hato type. The bulk of our remaining transfer budget should be dedicated to, firstly, getting the Morgan Gibbs-White deal over the line, then a passer/destroyer in midfield.
Sell Richarlison and you can look at signing Yoane Wissa, too, but Newcastle are currently accelerating their pursuit of the Brentford striker.