Atletico Madrid have joined Inter Milan in the race for Tottenham captain Cristian Romero, with the Spanish side preparing their first bid.
More departures could still be on the way at Tottenham Hotspur this summer transfer window as Roberto De Zerbi continues to rebuild his squad.
Spurs have already seen six permanent departures this summer, with youngster Mason Melia securing a season-long loan to Lincoln City.
Spurs Web already revealed that seven different transfers could be completed in the coming weeks as the transfer window nears its close.
Tottenham braced as Cristian Romero attracts Atletico Madrid interest
Among those who could be transferred out of Tottenham is Cristian Romero. The Argentine is on the radar of a host of clubs across Europe.
However, this summer it is Inter Milan who have been favourites to secure the services of the Spurs captain.
Now, fresh reports from Fabrizio Romano claim that one of Romero’s suitors, Atletico Madrid, are preparing a bid for the Tottenham centre-back.
Diego Simeone’s side are expected to submit a bid in line with Inter’s previous proposal, with the Serie A club having had a €40m (£34m) package agreed with Spurs – though nothing was settled on the player side.
Atleti’s bid is expected to follow further sales, including Nahuel Molina and possibly Matteo Ruggeri.
Romano tweeted: “Atlético Madrid are preparing a bid for Cristian Romero to be submitted after next sales (Molina + possibly Ruggeri).
“Bid to be in line with Inter previous proposal; Inter had €40m package in place with Spurs but nothing done on player side.
“Simeone wants Cuti, as @marca reports.”
Spurs could spark bidding war for Romero
Atletico Madrid’s interest in Romero is not new, with the Spanish side also showing interest last summer.
Spurs, however, were able to keep the Argentine in north London by getting him to sign a new deal.
But it looks increasingly likely that Romero’s race in N17 has been run, with De Zerbi revealing that he agreed to help Romero find a new club.
Real Madrid and Barcelona have also been credited with interest in Romero and, with more clubs entering the race, the possibility of a bidding war remains very likely for Spurs.