Cristian Romero keen on Olympics in potential blow to Tottenham plans

Paris Games finish just three days before Premier League season starts

Tottenham defender Cristian Romero has expressed a desire to play for Argentina at the Olympics this summer.

The men’s football at the Paris Games runs from July 24 to August 10 and finishes the week before the new Premier League season starts.

It is an Under-23s tournament but each country is allowed to select three older players.

Romero will already be representing Argentina at the Copa America this summer - which runs between June 20 and July 14 - but has made himself available for the selection for the Olympics.

“I never had the chance to be in the Olympic Games and I would love to,” said Romero.

“Obviously, it doesn’t depend on me, but if you want to take me I am available for the Argentine national team.

“I continue with the same enthusiasm and desire as always to continue doing things well at the club to continue having the possibility of being here.”

Clubs can veto call-ups, as the Olympics is not recognised by FIFA, and Spurs are unlikely to be happy about the prospect of Romero playing in two major tournaments this summer.

But they could be left in a difficult position if the centre-back is called up for the Olympics and expresses a desire to play in Paris.

Losing Romero so close to the season would not be ideal, while there is also a risk of injury and the prospect of him needing time off afterwards and missing the start of the season.

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