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Tottenham news: Barcelona forward makes decision on joining PSG as Spurs make contact over stunning rival move

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Paris Saint-Germain are making significant progress in their pursuit of Ferran Torres, with sources confirming to TEAMtalk that the Barcelona forward is increasingly convinced his next move will be to the French champions despite fresh contact from Tottenham Hotspur and continued interest from Arsenal.

The Spanish international has entered the final 12 months of his Barcelona contract and, despite an outstanding World Cup campaign, the expected talks over a new deal have never materialised.

Barcelona initially indicated they wanted to sit down with Torres after the tournament to discuss fresh terms, but sources have confirmed that those negotiations never took place.

Instead, the Catalan giants have now informed the 26-year-old’s representatives that they are prepared to sell him this summer rather than risk losing him for nothing next year.

That decision has accelerated interest from elsewhere, with PSG firmly in pole position.

We understand Luis Enrique has made a personal play to sign Torres, holding direct conversations with the former Manchester City attacker to explain exactly how he would fit into PSG’s plans.

Those discussions have made a significant impression on Torres, who is understood to be hugely attracted by the prospect of working under Luis Enrique once again while becoming part of what many regard as the most feared attacking unit in world football.

Sources say negotiations between PSG and the player’s camp are progressing well, although no final agreement has yet been reached.

However, PSG are not the only club to have explored a move.

READ NEXT – Liverpool given Bradley Barcola hope as FSG Tottenham transfer decision for Cody Gakpo revealed

Tottenham behind PSG in Torres race despite ‘contact’

TEAMtalk can confirm Tottenham have maintained contact with Torres’ representatives and have made it clear they would welcome the opportunity to discuss a move should the player become open to returning to the Premier League.

Spurs remain in the market for attacking reinforcements and see Torres as someone capable of adding versatility and proven quality across the front line.

Torres joined Barcelona from Man City in a deal worth around £55million back in 2021. He has since notched 65 goals and 23 assists in 207 appearances for the Catalans, helping them to clinch seven major trophies in the process.

While the Spanish international’s current priority remains Paris, sources indicate he would consider a return to England if circumstances changed.

Should that happen, a move to London would be his preferred destination.

Arsenal are also keeping a close eye on developments.

We understand Mikel Arteta remains a huge admirer of Torres following their time together at Man City and the Gunners would be open to exploring a deal if the opportunity arose.

However, Arsenal’s recruitment priorities currently lie elsewhere.

Sources have confirmed their marquee attacking targets remain Vinicius Junior and Julian Alvarez, meaning Torres is viewed as a possible alternative rather than the club’s primary objective this summer.

For now, PSG remain firmly in control.

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Bradley Barcola: Liverpool face PSG test as Reds send Tottenham clear Gakpo transfer message

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Romano reveals Liverpool's next Barcola move as Reds make firm Cody Gakpo transfer decision - TEAMtalk
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Liverpool’s pursuit of Bradley Barcola could be the next big summer window transfer saga, while the Reds are in no rush to let Tottenham Hotspur target Cody Gakpo leave.

That is according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who states that talks between Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain over Barcola will continue in the coming days. The Merseyside outfit have been looking for an attacking option to fill the sizeable shoes of Mohamed Salah, who ended his nine-year stay at Anfield at the end of last season.

And while Barcola, who bagged 20 goal contributions in all competitions for PSG last term, plays on the left, while Salah was utilised on the right, Andoni Iraola’s team are actively pursuing the 23-year-old.

The Frenchman has just under two years left on his deal and is keen to join the Premier League side. But, like with any transfer, the two teams need to agree on a fee. PSG are said to value Barcola at around £145million – £20m more than Liverpool forked out for Alexander Isak last year.

For the time being, though, it seems Liverpool are not backing down from this one.

Romano said on his YouTube channel on Sunday, “Next week, new contacts [will be] prepared between Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain for Bradley Barcola. It’s not a surprise. Liverpool will try for Barcola. Now it’s time to make it happen on [the] club side, because the player, Barcola, wants to go to Liverpool.

“Barcola is more than open to joining [the] Liverpool project. The conversations will continue next week. My feeling, this is not going to be something imminent. So I don’t expect that he will go on Monday or on Tuesday.

DON’T MISS: Tottenham: Savinho gestures whether he’s joining Spurs after Liverpool decide on Gakpo sale

“There is still work to do between Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain. So there is a possibility this is going to be a saga in this summer transfer window, but this depends on Liverpool, on how much they want to spend.

“Paris Saint-Germain are open to negotiating, but their conditions… [an] expensive deal. So negotiations are going to take place for Barcola, but don’t forget that the player wants to go to Liverpool and that Liverpool consider Barcola their top, top target.”

Liverpool see Cody Gakpo as an ‘important’ player

If Barcola joined, that may mean Gakpo‘s importance at Anfield takes a hit. Both Barcola and the Dutchman play on the left side of attack and with teenager Rio Ngumoha now staking his claim for a starting spot, Gakpo could get crowded out, especially with Isak expected to lead Liverpool’s attack next season.

Incidentally, TEAMtalk reported that Gakpo’s camp are open to talks with Tottenham, with there being a growing acceptance that the Netherlands international may not be viewed as a guaranteed first-choice option over the longer term.

Romano adds that Tottenham need to put forward a tempting financial offer to coax Liverpool into a sale, though, and the Reds are in no rush to sell the 27-year-old, whose contract runs until 2030.

He continued, “Tottenham had contact with the agency representing Cody Gakpo. Tottenham like the player and believe he could be the right addition for Roberto De Zerbi. Now it depends on the price.

“Tottenham really depend on the price because Liverpool are not pushing Gakpo out. Liverpool are very happy with Cody Gakpo. So the only way to change the story and to let Gakpo go to Tottenham and to open doors, because so far, Liverpool never wanted to open doors.

“Even during the World Cup and the whole month of July, Liverpool were insisting on keeping Cody Gakpo. The only way to open doors is if Tottenham present a really good financial proposal. In that case, if the player wants to go, could change the stance.

“So let’s follow the Gakpo story, but Liverpool are not pushing the player out. So let me say, this is not a guaranteed deal. This is something that is being discussed, but it’s not guaranteed because for Liverpool, Gakpo is still an important player.”

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Tottenham: Move for world class striker approved

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Tottenham have received ‘approval’ to enter ‘formal negotiations’ to sign one of the world’s best strikers, and agreeing personal terms will not be an issue, according to a remarkable report.

It’s been the window of dreams for Tottenham so far, with the club opening the chequebook and directly addressing the glaring problems within the squad.

The desperate need for leadership and experience has been remedied through the free agent arrivals of Martin Dubravka, Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi.

Jan Paul van Hecke will offset the anticipated exit of Cristian Romero, while the £185m double signing of Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali has overhauled the midfield.

It’s full steam ahead for additions in the final third now, with a right winger wanted, as well as a left winger or striker.

The right winger in Spurs’ sights is Savinho, and a recent gesture from the Brazilian suggests a deal with Manchester City will be made.

Tottenham were less than 24 hours away from bidding for Bournemouth’s Eli Junior Kroupi, who can play up front or on the left.

However, Kroupi recently suffered a fractured metatarsal that has required surgery to repair. There’ll be no transfer for the young Frenchman this summer as a result.

Cody Gakpo is fast emerging as a viable alternative to Kroupi, but our insider, Graeme Bailey, has been informed Liverpool have no intention of selling, despite the player’s willingness to join Spurs.

Accordingly, Tottenham may be forced to look elsewhere, and according to CaughtOffside, they’re gazing over towards Turkey and Galatasaray in particular.

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Tottenham readying move to sign Victor Osimhen – report

It’s claimed Tottenham are ‘ready to make [a] blockbuster move’ for deadly frontman, Victor Osimhen.

The 27-year-old has helped fire his respective sides to three league titles in the past four years. He won Serie A with Napoli in the 2022/23 campaign, before winning back-to-back Super Ligs with Galatasaray in the 2024/25 and 2025/26 seasons.

Osimhen has bagged 107 goals from 145 appearances across all competitions over the past four seasons. His career record in the tougher Champions League stands at a healthy 16 goals in 27 outings.

CaughtOffside state Spurs have now received ‘sporting approval’ to ‘begin formal negotiations’ for Osimhen’s signing.

What’s more, it was also claimed that there is a belief striking an agreement on personal terms ‘would not create a major obstacle’.

Regarding cost, it’s stated £65m could bring Galatasaray to the table, though that might be a touch ambitious given the player is in his prime, is Galatasaray’s best player, was signed for €75m / £65m, and is contracted until 2029.

Nevertheless, Spurs have shown a willingness to splash the cash for the right targets and act decisively in the market this summer.

Osimhen to Tottenham may well become one to watch over the coming days and weeks, though Spurs fans should probably wait for updates on this story from more reliable outlets than CaughtOffside before getting too excited.

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Savinho gestures whether he’s joining Tottenham after Liverpool decide on Gakpo sale

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Savinho gave a positive response when asked about joining Tottenham, while Liverpool have reached a decision on whether to sell Cody Gakpo after positive talks with the player.

Tottenham have already made signings at goalkeeper, in defence, and in midfield this summer. Some were free agent arrivals, such as Martin Dubravka, Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi, while others cost substantial fees, like Jan Paul van Hecke (£52m), Mateus Fernandes (£85m) and Sandro Tonali (£100m).

Roberto De Zerbi has publicly called upon the club to make high profile additions in the forward line next, and two players in Spurs’ sights are Savinho and Cody Gakpo.

Journalist Paul O’Keefe recently claimed Tottenham are now the ‘leading contender’ to sign Gakpo from Liverpool.

AnfieldWatch claimed the the Reds have slapped a hefty £72m valuation on the Dutchman after using Anthony Gordon’s £69m switch to Barcelona as a guideline.

Our insider, Graeme Bailey, subsequently provided an exclusive update on Gakpo’s situation on Sunday morning.

And while Bailey confirmed Tottenham have held positive talks with Gakpo’s camp, and that Gakpo is open to joining Spurs, the noises coming from Liverpool aren’t positive if you’re of a Spurs persuasion.

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Liverpool don’t intend to sell Cody Gakpo

He explained: ‘Sources have told TEAMtalk that the Reds have shown little encouragement in response to Tottenham’s enquiries and currently have no appetite to sanction Gakpo’s departure.

‘While the player may be open to exploring his options, Liverpool’s message is clear: they are planning for the new season with Gakpo firmly part of Iraola’s squad.’

Gakpo had been identified by Spurs as a worthy alternative to Bournemouth’s Eli Junior Kroupi, who won’t be on the move this summer after undergoing surgery to repair a fractured metatarsal.

But as mentioned, Spurs may now have to look elsewhere, with all the signs pointing to Liverpool retaining Gakpo beyond the summer.

There’s rosier news regarding Manchester City’s Savinho, however.

DON’T MISS: Transfer rumour ranking: Guimaraes to Arsenal closer as Chelsea make new offer, Spurs eye Osimhen

Savinho gives thumbs up to Tottenham call

The Brazilian has given the green light to joining Spurs and last week, he informed Man City of his desire to leave the club.

Club-to-club talks regarding a transfer believed to be worth around £60m have been taking place for some time.

And when Man City recently squared off against Inter Milan in a pre-season friendly in Hong Kong, one fan grabbed the winger’s attention when shouting: “Savinho! Come to Spurs!”

Whilst walking off the pitch, the 22-year-old did not reply with words, instead looking directly at the fan who shouted and giving a thumbs up. The interaction can be viewed on X here.

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Liverpool reach decision on selling Cody Gakpo to Tottenham after positive talks

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Cody Gakpo and his camp have held positive discussions with Tottenham and the Dutchman is open to making the move, while TEAMtalk can reveal the decision Liverpool have made on the potential sale.

TEAMtalk revealed earlier this summer that Spurs had identified Gakpo as a player of interest and sources have confirmed that admiration has not gone away.

With a proposed move for El Junior Kroupi collapsing because of the Frenchman’s foot injury, Tottenham have been forced back into the market for attacking reinforcements.

We previously revealed that Barcelona forward Ferran Torres was discussed internally, but with the Spain international still expected to favour a move to Paris Saint-Germain, Spurs have accelerated work on alternative targets.

Sources have confirmed to us that Tottenham have once again made enquiries over Gakpo’s availability.

Cody Gakpo receptive to Tottenham approach

TEAMtalk understands discussions with the player’s representatives have been positive, with Gakpo’s camp receptive to hearing Tottenham’s plans and believing this summer could represent the right moment for him to seriously consider a new challenge.

While Gakpo knows he will continue to play an important role under Andoni Iraola at Liverpool, there is a growing acceptance that he may not be viewed as a guaranteed first-choice option over the longer term.

Liverpool’s outstanding teenage talent Rio Ngumoha is firmly on course to become the club’s starting left winger, while further attacking reinforcements are also expected.

Alexander Isak is established as Liverpool’s first-choice central striker, leaving Gakpo facing a more rotational role than he would ideally like.

For the immediate future, 27-year-old Gakpo is still expected to feature heavily, particularly with Hugo Ekitike ruled out until at least December through injury.

However, TEAMtalk understands the Dutchman is conscious of what his longer-term role could become and is not entirely convinced that remaining a squad player is the best option at this stage of his career.

Tottenham believe they can offer something different.

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Spurs appreciate Liverpool forward’s versatility

Sources say Spurs see Gakpo not only as a left-sided attacker but also as someone capable of leading the line, giving him the opportunity to become one of the focal points of their attack.

TEAMtalk can also confirm that any move for Gakpo would not affect Tottenham’s continued pursuit of Manchester City winger Savinho, with the club viewing the two players as capable of fulfilling different roles within Thomas Frank’s squad.

Despite that, Liverpool’s stance remains unchanged.

Sources have told TEAMtalk that the Reds have shown little encouragement in response to Tottenham’s enquiries and currently have no appetite to sanction Gakpo’s departure.

While the player may be open to exploring his options, Liverpool’s message is clear: they are planning for the new season with Gakpo firmly part of Iraola’s squad.

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Tottenham now ‘leading contender’ to sign Liverpool starter as FSG name sale price

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Tottenham are the ‘leading contender’ to sign Cody Gakpo as part of a blockbuster DOUBLE signing on the wings, and Liverpool have named their sale price, per reports.

Tottenham spent heavily in the early phases of the summer transfer window, splashing out a combined £237m on Jan Paul van Hecke, Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali.

Around that same time, canny free agent deals for Martin Dubravka, Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson were wrapped up.

With additions made at goalkeeper, in defence and in midfield, attention has now turned to revamping the forward line.

Tottenham’s primary target on the right wing is Manchester City’s Savinho. The Brazilian has given the green light to joining Spurs having already informed Man City of his desire to leave the club.

Club-to-club discussions have been taking place for some time, with sources indicating this is a deal that can be made for a package worth roughly £60m.

TEAMtalk recently revealed, Spurs were less than 24 hours away from launching their opening bid for Bournemouth striker, Eli Junior Kroupi, before he suffered a fractured metatarsal.

Kroupi has since undergone surgery to repair the fracture, and given he’s been sidelined for three-four months, he won’t be on the move this summer.

Instead, a move could now be made for Liverpool’s Gakpo, who Fabrizio Romano recently insisted is one to watch in the coming days and weeks.

“Keep an eye on Tottenham Hotspur and Cody Gakpo in the next weeks,” said Romano via Men in Blazers. “They really like the player.”

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Tottenham to sign Cody Gakpo?

And according to journalist Paul O’Keefe when reporting on X on Saturday, Spurs are now front and centre for the 27-year-old Dutch international.

He wrote: ‘Cody Gakpo now a leading contender as Tottenham look to add to their attacking options.’

Gakpo plays off the left wing, though as we’ve seen during his stint on Merseyside, he can operate as the central striker if required.

In other words, he’d provide the same positional flexibility Tottenham would have benefitted from if signing Kroupi.

Regarding cost, Anfield Watch claimed Liverpool have set their stall out at a hefty £72m.

MORE LIVERPOOL COVERAGE ON TEAMTALK…

* Liverpool cleared to sign Barcola as Romano declares ‘here we go’ and French reporter gives confirmation

* Liverpool, Arsenal presented with stunning chance to hijack PSG transfer – Exclusive

* Inter Milan make Curtis Jones breakthrough as Liverpool react to Dominik Szoboszlai spat – Exclusive

The Reds have reportedly arrived at that number after using Anthony Gordon’s £69m transfer to Barcelona as a benchmark.

‘Anfield Watch understands Liverpool have priced Cody Gakpo at £72m (€85m),’ they wrote on X.

‘They’ve used Anthony Gordon’s move to Barcelona as a base for their valuation.’

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Tottenham: Spurs battle Arsenal for Mexican wonderkid as De Zerbi hero left frustrated by collapsed move

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Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly tracking a rising star of Mexican football, while a hero under Roberto De Zerbi has allegedly been left frustrated by his parent club’s transfer demands.

Despite winning their first Premier League title in 22 years, Arsenal have had a fairly quiet summer transfer window to date, with Christos Tzolis joining from Club Brugge for £34million, while Piero Hincapie’s loan move from Bayer Leverkusen became a permanent one.

However, north London rivals Tottenham have been making waves in the transfer market, spending more than £220m on Mateus Fernandes, Sandro Tonali, and Jan Paul van Hecke.

Spurs have been circling the relegation plughole for two seasons now, so it could be argued they had to go big in the market to make them a Premier League force again.

And it seems they are jostling with Arsenal for an exciting talent from Mexico, one Hugo Camberos. The 19-year-old has shown promise at Guadalajara but is yet to make his Mexican debut for the senior team.

The Mexican Under-20 international is playing for his country at the CONCACAF Under-20 Championship, and that has reportedly led a number of clubs to send scouts to watch him play.

DON’T MISS: Tottenham transfers: Planned deal faces Spanish hijack as star’s entourage accelerate talks after Inter Milan lose momentum

Indeed, Mexican outlet TUDN states that Arsenal and Tottenham – who are reportedly competing for Mainz midfielder Kaishu Sano – are following the progress of the teenager, who has scored three goals and bagged one assist in the tournament to date.

Camberos’ contract runs until December 2028 but his father, Roberto Camberos, said the goal is to help him become a regular at Guadalajara, win the league title there, and then head to Europe.

Joao Palhinha disappointed with Bayern Munich over failed Tottenham move

Incidentally, Portugal midfielder Joao Palhinha has reportedly been left angered by Bayern Munich’s refusal to lower their price tag for him this summer.

Bild have relayed comments from prominent German journalists Christian Falk and Heiko Niedderer from the Bayern Insider podcast, who state that Tottenham didn’t want to pay £25.6m to sign the 31-year-old this summer.

Even though the former Fulham man helped keep them in the Premier League last season during a loan stint, Spurs were seemingly put off by his price tag as Bayern try to recoup as much as they can from their initial £43m outlay.

Falk said: “He joined FC Bayern for €50m; now he’s worth only €15m, and Bayern can’t get rid of him. €30m Tottenham didn’t want to pay the agreed upon in the clause; he wasn’t worth that much to them.”

Niedderer then claimed that Palhinha has an axe to grind against the German giants.

He continued, “Palhinha doesn’t feel Bayern have treated him entirely fairly. His view is that Tottenham wanted to keep him, so why wouldn’t Bayern budge on the price? That probably would have been the best outcome for everyone involved.

“Palhinha wants to leave. He’s not exactly thrilled about the situation either. But by saying, ‘Fine, I’ll just stay,’ he’s creating a standoff: ‘I can stay here, meaning you have to keep paying my wages and won’t get a transfer fee at all’.”

Palhina remains at Bayern but there is still time for him to secure an exit before the transfer window shuts in a few weeks.

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Tottenham: Roberto De Zerbi in dreamland as Jose Mourinho wants Real Madrid winger out

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Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi has received a huge boost in his quest to sign Franco Mastantuono from Real Madrid in the summer transfer window, with Jose Mourinho’s stance on the winger emerging in the Spanish media.

Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes, Martin Dubravka, Jan Paul van Hecke, Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson have been the six major signings for Tottenham so far this summer.

Tottenham are now trying to sign Savinho from Manchester City, with sources telling TEAMtalk that the winger is keen on a move to the north London club.

We understand that talks between Tottenham and Man City over Savinho are going on, with the Brazilian valued at £60million.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reported this week that Tottenham want to sign another winger, along with Savinho.

This came following reports that Tottenham have made a move for Madrid winger Mastantuono.

Earlier this month, Cronica reported that Tottenham have enquired about signing Mastantuono.

The Argentina international winger joined Real Madrid from River Plate in the summer of 2025.

The 18-year-old scored three goals and gave one assist in 35 matches in all competitions last season.

Argentine news outlet Cronica reported that Tottenham have ‘initiated contact to enquire about the terms of a potential loan’, with Fulham among the clubs also keen.

The report added: ‘Real Madrid understands that the 18-year-old is going through a similar situation to the one Endrick experienced in his first months at the club.

‘The fierce competition for a place in the first team has reduced the opportunities for the former River Plate player, who is looking to get more playing time to accelerate his adaptation to European football.

‘Given this situation, the management began listening to offers from different teams on the continent, although they will prioritise a destination that guarantees continuity, a solid sporting project and a coach who is committed to their development.’

DON’T MISS: Endrick reaches decision on Real Madrid future as Liverpool consider signing Brazilian striker

Jose Mourinho sanctions Franco Mastantuono loan exit

Tottenham will now be delighted to learn that Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has sanctioned a loan exit for Mastantuono.

Mourinho has decided not to include Mastantuono in his squad for Saturday’s pre-season friendly match against Fiorentina in Austria.

Spanish journalist Sergio Valentin posted on X at 1:37pm on July 31: “Franco Mastantuono is left out of the squad because a team is being sought for him

“On June 4th, I already told you that Mourinho wasn’t counting on him.

“I remind you of the players who were on that list

“Four days ago, I told you it was the most likely departure.

“Nothing has convinced Mourinho

“He will go out on loan”

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano wrote on X at 1:05pm on July 31: “Franco Mastantuono will leave Real Madrid on loan, decision confirmed on club side as reported over recent weeks.

“Real didn’t include Franco in the squad for this weekend as he has to leave on loan.

“Club indicate preference for European loan over River Plate return.”

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Tottenham transfers: Planned deal faces Spanish hijack as star's entourage accelerate talks after Inter Milan lose momentum

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Inter Milan’s move for Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero has stalled over the player’s personal terms, with sources confirming to TEAMtalk that his representatives are now actively exploring potential moves to Spain and with four sides now in the mix to sign the Argentine.

We previously revealed that Inter had emerged as favourites to sign the 28-year-old and that Spurs had accepted the defender wanted to leave north London this summer.

Indeed, Tottenham have now agreed a deal in principle worth €40million with the Serie A champions, but the transfer has yet to progress because an agreement has not been reached with Romero himself.

Inter Milan remain in discussions with the player’s camp, but TEAMtalk understands there is still a significant gap between the club’s offer and Romero’s salary demands.

Sources insist negotiations have not broken down entirely, though, and neither party has walked away from the table.

However, the delay has allowed Romero’s representatives to assess alternative opportunities and now an eye-catching move to LaLiga looks just as feasible for the 58-cap Argentina star…

DON’T MISS: Atletico Madrid threaten late hijack of complicated Tottenham exit

Spanish trio in mix for Romero hijack

The Italians are also pressing ahead with strengthening their defence elsewhere.

As we previously revealed, Inter want to sign both John Stones and Romero this summer, and on Thursday the Serie A champions completed the first part of that plan after Stones signed his two-year contract following a successful medical in Milan.

Inter’s intention remains to pair the England international alongside Romero, making the Tottenham defender their next priority once the contractual issues are resolved.

However, we understand Romero’s camp are now holding talks with clubs in Spain – and are seeking to use the delay to engineer a better package for their client, and secure him his dream move to LaLiga in the process.

Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid all retain an interest in the World Cup winner and have been kept informed of his situation.

While all three LaLiga giants admire Romero, none have progressed as far as Inter. Neither negotiations over personal terms nor formal talks with Tottenham have reached the level already established by the Italian champions.

Furthermore, there is no guarantee that any offer from Spain would surpass the financial package currently on the table from Inter.

Romero’s future has also been addressed publicly by new Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi.

Speaking this week, the Italian admitted he is a huge admirer of the defender but made it clear he has no intention of keeping players who no longer want to represent the club.

“Romero as a player is one of the best centre-backs in the world, but at the end I said I want to respect the will of the players,” De Zerbi told Football London. That stance reflects Tottenham’s current position.

Sources close to Spurs believe Romero’s departure remains the most likely outcome before the transfer window closes, but they also recognise there is still work to do.

Should negotiations with Inter ultimately collapse and no agreement be reached with a Spanish club, there remains a genuine possibility that Romero will report back to Tottenham next month despite both player and club expecting a summer exit.

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Tottenham transfers: Atletico Madrid threaten to hijack 'complicated' Spurs move

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Atletico Madrid are threatening to hijack a Tottenham exit which is progressing but has gotten ‘complicated’ according to a report.

Spurs are open to the sales of a few stars this summer. In recent days, Roberto De Zerbi revealed he has not tried to convince Cristian Romero or Guglielmo Vicario to stay, understanding their views on the future.

Both men are the subject of interest from Serie A clubs, with the two Tottenham stars potential to return to their former league.

TEAMtalk is aware Inter are the side with the strongest interest in Romero, with talks ongoing over that transfer.

Those talks are progressing, per sources, but there could be a late hijack on the cards.

Indeed, the Daily Mail reports Atletico Madrid have rekindled their interest in the Argentine, who they were interested in last year.

They are said to be exploring the figures surrounding the deal, which is what’s holding Inter up.

Indeed, Romero’s agent held talks with Inter, per the report, but it’s been confirmed that the deal could be complicated due to the financial package.

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Inter offer for Romero known

TEAMtalk is aware that Inter submitted an opening proposal worth €40million (£34.2m), on loan with an option to buy for that fee.

Spurs, though, value the defender at closer to €50million (£42.8m), but are said to be ‘edging towards’ an agreement.

The biggest hurdle is believed to be Romero’s salary, of €6.5million (£5.6m) per season. Inter are offering around €5million (£4.3m).

That equates to around £82,500 per week. In the context of Tottenham’s wages, that would take him from the joint second-highest earner to 14th.

At Inter, there are numerous stars on far more than Romero is being offered, so it being a stumbling block for the move is not without reason.

There remains optimism that an agreement can be reached, but renewed interest from Atletico could be very detrimental to Inter’s cause.

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