Atletico in talks with Spurs captain Romero

The operation is moving forward: according to BBC Sport, Atletico Madrid have opened talks with Tottenham over a deal for Cristian Romero this summer. The Argentine defender and Spurs captain is set to leave London after the club made it clear they will respect his desire to depart, as Roberto de Zerbi recently acknowledged.

Romero, 28, signed a fresh four-year contract with the English side just over a year ago, yet remains a long-standing target for Diego Simeone. Atletico believe this is their chance to land him. Inter Milan are also keeping tabs on the centre-back, who featured in all seven of Argentina's matches during their World Cup run to the final, which they lost to Spain.

Tottenham see no obstacles in reaching a personal agreement with the player. Romero missed the closing stages of last season through knee trouble, though he helped avoid relegation on the final day. Meanwhile, defensive partner Micky van de Ven is close to signing a five-year extension.