Argentina hothead Cristian Romero’s Inter transfer ‘hijacked by Atletico with Tottenham captain favouring Spaniards’

CRISTIAN ROMERO’S proposed move to Inter Milan looks set to be hijacked by Atletico Madrid after the Tottenham skipper made the Spanish giants his preferred destination. According to reports in Spain, the Argentine defender has emerged as Diego Simeone‘s top transfer target once again, with Atletico preparing an opening bid of around £26million for the Spurs captain. Tottenham captain Cristian Romero could leave the club this summer Credit: Getty Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan have both been strongly linked to Romero Credit: Getty Romero, 28, has attracted interest from a host of Europe’s biggest clubs following another impressive campaign in North London and at the World Cup this summer. Inter have already tabled an offer worth £35m, made up of an initial £30m plus £5m in add-ons, but the Italian giants are facing disappointment. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! Reports in Spain claim Romero has made it clear he wants to join Atletico instead, with the World Cup winner keen to finally work under compatriot Simeone. The Spanish side came close to signing the centre-back last summer before talks collapsed when they failed to meet Tottenham’s valuation, believed to be around £55m at the time. Now Atletico believe they have a genuine chance of landing their long-term target. The LaLiga outfit are expected to cash in on Matteo Ruggeri and Nahuel Molina, with the duo’s departures set to generate funds and free up enough room on the wage bill to finance Romero’s arrival. Tottenham are also understood to be willing to sanction Romero’s exit this summer after previously agreeing he could leave if the right offer arrived. His reported release clause is now thought to be around £35m, potentially putting Atletico in a strong negotiating position if they can increase their opening proposal. Most read in Sport SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET UP TO £100 BONUS Tottenham have already signed Jan Paul Van Hecke to boost their defensive options Credit: Tottenham Hotspur Romero has never hidden his admiration for Simeone and has long been linked with a move to the Wanda Metropolitano. The defender even reportedly inserted a clause into the contract extension he signed with Spurs until 2029, giving him extra protection should one of Spain’s elite clubs come calling. Tottenham have already signed two centre-backs, Jan-Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi, in anticipation that they could lose Romero this summer. Atletico sporting director Mateu Alemany is now working on completing outgoing deals before launching a formal move for Romero, who remains the club’s No.1 defensive target. Should Atletico get the deal over the line, Romero would snub Inter in favour of fulfilling his long-held ambition of playing under Simeone in Madrid. Comment now