Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs is reportedly a target for Tottenham Hotspur.
The Dutchman has emerged as a standout performer for the Black Cats this season, having arrived on a permanent deal from NEC Nijmegen last summer. At the time of writing, he has kept eight top flight clean sheets, as well as recording the third-highest number of saves in the division since this arrival at the Stadium of Light.
And as per online outlet TEAMtalk, Roefs’ performances have piqued the interest of Spurs, who could be in the market for reinforcements between the sticks this summer. It is understood that current first choice Vicario is Juventus’ primary goalkeeping target heading into the end of the campaign, and as such, the North London outfit have identified Roefs, alongside Brighton and Hove Albion compatriot Bart Verbruggen and Manchester City understudy James Trafford, as potential alternatives.
With regards to Vicario’s possible exit, the Italian is reportedly valued at around £26 million - a figure which would fall within Juve’s budget. As for their subsequent recruitment plans, TEAMtalk stress that “there is no clear favourite in Spurs’ mind at present”, and that the situation is “open”.
Much will hinge, however, on whether or not Tottenham are able to avoid relegation this season. As things stand, the Champions League club are just four points clear of the bottom three with 11 matches left to play. Should the unthinkable happen and Spurs drop down to the Championship, then it goes without saying that they would fall out of any looming race for Roefs, or the other names mentioned.
Tottenham are not the only side to be touted as admirers of the Sunderland number one in recent days either. Over the weekend, it was reported that Chelsea are keen on the 23-year-old, with a £50 million effort to sign him mooted.
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What has Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs said about mounting transfer speculation?
Speaking in the aftermath of Sunday’s 3-1 defeat to Fulham, Roefs was asked for his thoughts on the speculation over his future on Wearside, to which he responded: “I don't know. I don't know what to make of it. I don't hear anything from it from my agents. As long as I don't know anything about it, they can read or write what they want. I don't know.
“Obviously, it's a compliment, I think, if people write it about you. I'm really not into this. It's my first season in the Premier League, my first season here. I'm really enjoying every single minute of it, so I'm not thinking of anything else.”
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