Overview
- Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio confirmed on Tuesday that Inter and Tottenham have opened talks over Cristian Romero but no agreement is complete.
- Romero has withheld his approval for a move because he prefers Barcelona and is waiting to see if the Catalan club makes a late approach.
- Inter are considering a loan with an obligation to buy to spread the cost and have moved to alternative targets, with reports linking them to John Stones and saying a sale of Benjamin Pavard would free up space.
- Tottenham remain firm on a roughly €50m valuation yet are prepared to accept loan-style deals if Romero pushes to leave, and the club has signed Jan Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi as defensive cover.
- Reports vary on fees and certainty, with some outlets citing a lower £35m agreement and bookmakers shortening Inter odds, and Romero is due to return for Tottenham pre-season on 10 August which increases transfer urgency.