Atlético accelerates exits to seal Cuti Romero deal

Atlético Madrid are moving fast with their outgoings. According to Mundo Deportivo, three players are set to leave in the coming hours: Thiago Almada, Matteo Ruggeri and Nahuel Molina.

Almada is already in Madrid and has said yes to River Plate, who will pay 20 million euros for 50% of his rights. The Argentine club have even provisionally registered him for the Copa Sudamericana, with the deadline to make it permanent falling on Monday. Ruggeri will join Aston Villa: the Italian fullback accepted Unai Emery's offer on Friday, with the Birmingham side paying 20 million fixed plus 5 in variables. Molina will complete his move to Roma for 18 million.

This string of departures serves a clear purpose: clearing the path for Cuti Romero. The 28-year-old centre-back is Simeone's target to strengthen the defence. Tottenham rejected Atlético's opening bid of 30 million, but with the defender's green light to join the Metropolitano, the deal should wrap up soon. The English club may budge from the 70 million they demanded last year.