Inter Milan have run into another major roadblock in their efforts to sign Cristian Romero as their talks with the Argentine and Tottenham Hotspur continue.
It had emerged over recent days that Tottenham were willing to lower their asking price for Romero to facilitate his move to the San Siro.
Some Italian outlets had suggested that Inter were hoping to sign the Spurs captain for just €40m (£34m) and were hoping to get a deal done within the next 10 days.
However, an agreement is still far away, with the Nerazzurri running into another big problem following their dialogue with the 28-year-old.
Inter Milan are finding Tottenham star Cristian Romero’s salary demands to be excessive
Journalist Pasquale Guarro has now revealed that the Serie A club are finding the cost of the operation to be ‘high’, and that is not just with respect to the transfer fee.
After holding conversations with Romero’s entourage, Inter have found his wage demands to be ‘excessive’.
The Tottenham captain currently earns £195,000 per week at Spurs, and it is unclear how much the Italian club are willing to offer him.
The journalist adds that despite this roadblock, Inter are continuing to negotiate a deal for the Tottenham star, who manager Christian Chivu remains keen on adding to his squad.
Inter Milan are closing in on John Stones signing
Guarro states that due to the high cost of the Romero deal, Inter are exploring a move for Man City defender John Stones, who is now out of contract.
The journalist wrote on X: “Inter, the costs of the Romero deal are high. There have been further contacts during the day, and the demands of the player’s entourage were deemed excessive by the Nerazzurri, who continue to negotiate but in the meantime, are pursuing the Stones lead, which has decidedly more contained costs. In case it heads elsewhere, the sum earmarked for the Argentine defender will be redirected. The talks with Romero have not been interrupted; Chivu would like to bet on the Argentine.”
Meanwhile, Sky Sports are reporting that Inter have already verbally agreed personal terms with the England international on a three-year deal, which could come as a blow to the Lilywhites’ hopes of selling their captain to the Italian club.