Tottenham captain Cristian Romero was wanted by Spanish giants Atletico Madrid prior to signing a new four-year contract with Spurs in August
Julian Alvarez has revealed he spoke with Tottenham captain Cristian Romero about a transfer to Atletico Madrid last summer.
The Spurs centre-back was wanted by Diego Simeone at the Wanda Metropolitano but the La Liga outfit were not willing to get close to the Europa League winners' asking price.
Romero eventually stayed put and signed a new bumper four-year contract in north London in August, ending all lingering transfer speculation.
Alvarez has now opened up on the ordeal, telling MARCA when asked if he would have liked to have teamed up with his international team-mate: "Yes, yes. Obviously I would have liked to, Cuti is one of the best defenders in the world.
"I share time with him on the national team and I really think he's a star, a fierce competitor, very strong defensively.
"Yes, I had some conversations with him and due to some details it didn't work out, but hopefully one day we can play together."
Despite Alvarez's admission, Romero's proposed switch to Atletico never looked close as personal terms were never agreed between the parties.
Speaking back in June, Atletico boss Simeone made it clear he would like to bring Romero to the club, telling reporters: “Do I want Cuti Romero? Obviously! He’s a great player.”
Following Son Heung-min's departure to LAFC, Thomas Frank decided to appoint the World Cup winner as his new Spurs captain.
'Cuti' said shortly after extending his stay in N17: “Honestly, the last two weeks, first captain, now a new contract with the club, I’m very, very happy. For me, it’s a fantastic decision. Now we start together again. I’m very happy at the club. For me, this club is the best in the world. For this, I extend my contract.”
It's been a big couple of weeks for Romero, who scored a stunning brace in Tottenham's recent 2-2 Premier League draw at Newcastle before also assisting in Spurs' 3-0 Champions League demolition of Slavia Prague.
He previously missed six games with an adductor strain in October before returning to the fold for the 1-0 defeat to Chelsea in early November.