Atletico Madrid Open Talks to Sign Tottenham Captain Cristian Romero

The Argentina international, 28, joined Spurs from Atalanta in August 2021, initially on loan before the move was made permanent the following summer. He signed a new four-year deal last August and played all seven matches in Argentina's run to the World Cup final, where they lost to Spain. Inter Milan have also shown interest, but Romero is a long-term target for Atletico manager Diego Simeone, with the Spanish side pressing ahead with another attempt.

Spurs are aware of the interest, and personal terms are not expected to be an issue. Manager Roberto de Zerbi recently said he would "respect the will" of players who want to leave. Romero missed the end of last season with a knee injury as Spurs avoided relegation on the final day, and was sent off twice in a season where they finished 17th. Meanwhile, fellow centre-back Micky van de Ven is close to agreeing a new five-year deal with Tottenham.