Atlético Madrid are preparing to substantiate their interest in Cristian Romero, and they may have a big advantage over Inter Milan in the race for the Tottenham captain.
Reports over the last few days had suggested that Spurs had agreed a €40m (£34m) deal with Inter Milan for the World Cup winner, and only personal terms were left to be finalised.
Corriere dello Sport even suggested a few days ago that the Nerazzurri are close to agreeing a contract with Romero, as the two parties step up talks.
However, they now face a challenger, as over the last few days, several outlets have reported that Atletico Madrid have reignited their interest in the Tottenham captain after exploring a deal for the centre-back last summer.
Atletico Madrid are ready to offer £26m to Tottenham for Cristian Romero
Marca say that Atletico Madrid are now ready to accelerate efforts to land the 28-year-old, who has been a long-term target of the La Liga side.
Matteo Moretto wrote that ‘Atlético is going all out to sign Cuti Romero.’
However, interestingly, the report reveals that the Spanish side’s offer is set to be even lower than Inter’s, with Atletico prepared to put just €30m (£26m) on the table.
The Madrid side have now set Romero as their next transfer priority and have already started doing the groundwork to make the deal happen.
Atletico are now working on selling Matteo Ruggeri and Nahuel Molina to Aston Villa and AS Roma respectively, as they try to raise the funds needed to sign the Tottenham man and free up space in the wage bill for him.
However, the La Liga side are aware that they face a ‘real battle ahead’ for the World Cup winner, with Inter also working on his signing.
Romero prefers Atletico move over Inter Milan
Marca say that Inter also ‘dream’ of taking Romero to the San Siro, having submitted an offer worth an initial €35m (£30m) plus €5m (£4.2m) in add-ons.
However, it is revealed that Romero’s priority is to move to the Metropolitano Stadium, with the centre-back having not given up on his hope of doing so since the deal fell through last summer.
It is revealed that the Spurs captain has always wanted to play for his compatriot, Diego Simeone, thus giving the Spanish side a big advantage in the race over the Nerazzurri.