‘Cristian Romero primed to speak to Atletico Madrid after Tottenham talks’
Atletico Madrid have held preliminary talks over a deal to sign Tottenham star Cristian Romero, according to the club’s former scout.
Mick Brown, who also worked as the chief scout at Man United and Blackburn and remains very well-connected at his former clubs, exclusively told Football Insider that contact has been made with the 27-year-old’s agent and Spurs over a deal.
Diego Simeone is believed to be a big fan of the Argentina international and believes he would be a good fit for his style of play at the Metripolitano Stadium.
Brown told Football Insider in April that Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid want Romero and are set to compete for his signature with Spurs prepared to cash in.
There has been an acceptance behind the scenes in North London that they could lose the centre-back, and efforts to identify his replacement have already begun.
This comes after Football Insider exclusively revealed in May that Romero is expected to leave Tottenham following his role in their Europa League success.
Tottenham to accept Atletico Madrid offer for Cristian Romero
Brown told Football Insider as early as November that Tottenham could allow Romero to leave if they can bring in a direct replacement and the right bid arrives.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has claimed talks about the centre-back’s future will accelerate in the coming days.
“Atletico Madrid are going to step up their interest in Romero,” he told Football Insider.
“From what I hear, he’ll be open to the move and will speak to them if a deal can be agreed with Spurs.
“They’ve already made contact with his agent to see what it might take to agree a deal, and they’ll be speaking to Tottenham about what his price might be.
“Spurs are prepared to let him go if an acceptable bid arrives, and have been looking at their options.
“So I don’t doubt he’s got wind of that and he’ll now be interested in a move away.
“He’d be going into a side who play aggressive and defensive football, which will suit him, and I’m told Diego Simeone is a big fan of his.
“At the same time, Tottenham feel they can upgrade on him and find a partner for Van de Ven.
“So I think things with this deal will speed up in the coming days because as far as I know, all parties are interested in getting it done.”
Antoine Semenyo update emerges after Bournemouth decision
While there has been plenty of talks about players who could leave Spurs this summer, they have also set their sights on improving Thomas Frank’s squad.
Brown told Football Insider on 27 June that Tottenham want to sign Antoine Semenyo, but Bournemouth are determined to keep hold of their star man.
Spurs had approached the Cherries to enquire about the winger’s availability but were met with a firm and lofty asking price in an attempt to put them off.
This comes after Football Insider revealed on 23 June that Bournemouth will demand £70million for Semenyo but are planning for his potential departure.
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