Atletico Madrid have opened talks to sign Tottenham captain Cristian Romero.
The Argentina defender, who signed a new four-year contract last August, is expected to leave Spurs this summer. Inter Milan are also interested in the 28-year-old, who played all seven games in Argentina’s run to last month’s World Cup final, where they lost to Spain.
Romero has been a long-term target for Diego Simeone, and Atletico are pressing ahead with a renewed move for the centre-back. Spurs are aware of the interest, and personal terms are not expected to be an obstacle.
Tottenham boss Roberto de Zerbi recently said he would respect players’ wishes if they want to depart.
Romero missed the end of last season with a knee injury as Spurs secured survival on the final day, and he was sent off twice during a campaign that ended with Tottenham 17th.
Meanwhile, fellow centre-back Micky van de Ven is close to agreeing a new five-year deal with Spurs.