Your morning Tottenham Hotspur digest with football.london on Sunday, November 6.
Messi delivers verdict on Romero
Cristian Romero was a big factor in Argentina winning the Copa America. He was named in the team of the tournament, with seven-time Ballon d'Or winner and captain Lionel Messi specifically highlighting the defender's impact.
Speaking on the Sean Eternos: Campeones de America, the Paris Saint-Germain talisman said Romero has a big future ahead. Messi said: "Cuti’s appearance was extraordinary for us, for the future of the team and for that moment."
Antonio Conte is yet to truly see Romero at his peak as consistent runs in the team continue to be halted. Minor injuries saw the Argentine make only 22 Premier League appearances last season.
READ MORE: Kevin De Bruyne provides perfect spark for Son Heung-min as Tottenham star faces World Cup wait
Spurs eye first January transfer
According to a report from Il Giorno, as quoted by FourFourTwo, Atalanta are looking to sell Ruslan Malinovskyi in January so they receive a fee for him rather than allow him to leave on a free in the summer once his contract comes to an end.
And, the report states that Tottenham are looking to take advantage of the Italian side cashing in. It's said that Spurs will pay around £13million to sign Malinovskyi.
Merson makes Spurs prediction
Paul Merson has predicted Chelsea to finish above Tottenham in the Premier League this season. Spurs currently sit third in the table and five points ahead of the Blues, who have a game in hand.
Speaking on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday, the former Arsenal midfielder was insistent that Antonio Conte's side 'go to the well too often' and that their luck will soon run out. When asked whether the north Londoners have the ability to finish third in the Premier League this season, Merson replied: "No way.
"I just don't think you can get away with keep on going to the well like they do. I just don't see how they finish third. I think Chelsea will finish above Tottenham."
Tottenham welcome Liverpool to N17 on Sunday afternoon in what is set to be a blockbuster clash that will have a huge impact in the race for top-four. If Conte can snatch a win from Jurgen Klopp then Spurs will go 13 points ahead of the Merseyside club.
And, despite the north Londoners' advantage, Merson believes that Liverpool will catch up with Tottenham, beginning with a win. He said: "I think Liverpool win this weekend.
"I think Liverpool will close the gap on Tottenham. And Liverpool won't go away, people keep going, 'Liverpool, that's it'. I just don't think you can keep going to the well."
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