Tottenham Hotspur and Inter Milan remain locked in talks with Cristian Romero, although there is still a gap to be bridged between their respective valuations.
According to various reports from Italy, Inter hope to complete a swift deal for Romero after holding extensive talks with the centre-back’s representatives as well as Tottenham.
Inter Milan’s interest in John Stones came to light on Tuesday morning, which initially appeared to be bad news for Spurs’ attempt to sell their captain to the Serie A side.
However, it was subsequently made clear by multiple sources that Inter’s pursuit of Stones is independent of their pursuit of the Tottenham man, with Christian Chivu’s men wanting both players through the door.
Inter Milan are making ‘significant progress’ in their efforts to sign Tottenham star Cristian Romero
TEAMtalk have now claimed that Inter Milan have made significant progress in their pursuits of both John Stones and Cristian Romero.
The Italian giants are keen on landing the experienced defensive duo before the new campaign, and they are ‘working simultaneously’ on both deals at the moment.
The reigning Serie A champions are confident that both transfers can be completed as negotiations with Tottenham are now progressing, while the Man City star edges closer to signing a two-year deal at the San Siro.
Inter have submitted an opening proposal of €40m (£34m) for the Spurs captain, but they have structured it as an initial loan deal with an obligation to buy next summer.
While Tottenham value Romero at closer to €50m (£43m), it is understood that the two clubs are now ‘edging towards an agreement’.
Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona continue to monitor the centre-back’s situation; it is the Nerazzurri who have made ‘decisive progress’ in the deal.
Biggest hurdle revealed in Inter’s pursuit of Romero
TEAMtalk say that the biggest hurdle to Romero’s move to the San Siro remains the player’s salary demands.
The 28-year-old is asking for wages of around €6.5m (£5.5m) per season, while Inter’s latest proposal is worth €5m (£4.2m), which works out to around £82,500 a week.
Despite this difference, discussions are continuing with Romero’s representatives, and there is optimism that a compromise can be reached.
This optimism stems from the fact that the Argentine is ‘very keen’ on moving to the Nerazzurri.