Cristian Romero holds talks with La Liga giants over summer Tottenham exit | OneFootball

Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Cristian Romero has held talks with Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone over a summer transfer, a report has claimed.

Romero has often been linked with a move away from Spurs but saw the speculation surrounding his future ramp up during the international break amid reports of his frustration towards his club's management of his injury issues this season.

Real Madrid have long been touted as suitors for Romero but Spanish media later claimed it is Atletico who are ramping up their interest in the Argentina international.

Sky Sports Switzerland go one step further and claim that Romero even spoke with Atletico manager Diego Simeone, a fellow Argentine, during the international break.

Romero is described as Simeone's dream transfer target and it is claimed that the Spurs defender is "excited" by the prospect of joining up with Atletico this summer.

Personal terms are no issue and talks have already been held between Atletico and Romero's representatives, but the main stumbling block remains convincing Spurs to part ways with the 26-year-old.

Seen as untouchable by chairman Daniel Levy, Romero could command a fee of €80m (£66.9m). Previous reports have valued the defender closer to £100m.

Key to Romero's future is his contract situation. His contract has two years left to run, meaning this is the last summer to sell before the Argentina international's value will begin to drop. As it stands, there have been no signs of an extension.

Atletico plan to make a concrete push for Romero's signature this summer and will hope that Spurs' on-field struggles this season - they sit 14th in the Premier League standings - could work in their favour.