TBR Football understands that Atletico Madrid have informed Cristian Romero that they feel they’ve done all they can to sign him this summer.
Diego Simeone has been obsessed with signing Romero, but at this stage, the Spanish club are set for disappointment in their pursuit of the defender.
Daniel Levy has been determined to keep Romero, and has been attempting to do so by offering him a new contract that would make him the North London club’s best-paid player.
However, Romero’s heart is set on joining Atletico, and up until this point, the World Cup winner has been rejecting these advances from the Spurs chairman.
Tottenham pleased after Atletico Madrid back away from Cristian Romero deal
Sources have told TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey that Tottenham Hotspur are pleased that Atletico Madrid are finally starting to back away from a deal to sign Cristian Romero.
Although the Lilywhites are not entirely convinced this is the end of the situation, with the possibility remaining that Atleti will return to the negotiating table.
As it stands, Romero is not happy with the situation, but his people are ready to rekindle contract talks with Levy if no deal is forthcoming with Atletico.
Reports from Argentina claimed that Romero told Levy: “It’s not a matter of money but of professional challenges. I love Tottenham and it will always be in my heart.”
Thomas Frank is keen to build around Romero and now faces the challenge of convincing him that staying in North London remains a strong option for him.
Levy will want to avoid a repeat of the Harry Kane situation in which Ange Postecoglou lost his best player just a few months into his job.
Cristian Romero returns to Tottenham for pre-season
Tottenham’s international stars returned for pre-season training on Wednesday to prepare for the new season.
Romero was among the group who were back for testing at Hotspur Way, and Spurs will now be eager for him to remain in N17 beyond the summer.
Frank’s first pre-season game is against Reading on July 18, before they travel to Asia at the end of the month for their tour.
Then, of course, is the big one as they face Paris Saint-Germain in the final of the UEFA Super Cup on August 13.
Romero lining up against the European champions would be a huge boost for their hopes of somehow attempting to stop Luis Enrique’s side.