Tottenham defender stalls Inter Milan move in wait for Barcelona, prepared to make financial sacrifice | OneFootball

Tottenham Hotspur captain Cristian Romero remains determined to join Barcelona and continues to prioritise a move to the Catalan club above all other options.

Indeed, according to Sportitalia (h/t SPORT), the Argentine defender has not given Inter Milan the green light because he is waiting to see whether Barcelona make a final move for him before the transfer window closes.

Romero’s representatives have remained in regular contact with Barcelona’s sporting department in recent weeks and believe there could still be late developments in the club’s defensive plans.

The Blaugrana continue to admire Romero but have made it clear that they will not pursue a deal unless a defender leaves the squad first.

Inter proposal on hold

Inter met Romero’s agent towards the end of last week and presented the defender with a four-year contract.

Romero presses pause on Inter Milan move. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Although the proposed salary was slightly lower than his current wages at Tottenham Hotspur, the longer contract was intended to compensate for the difference.

However, Romero chose not to accept the offer. No agreement was reached between the clubs either, with Tottenham demanding €50 million for the transfer, although they are willing to negotiate.

Tottenham remain prepared to let the Argentina international leave and are even beginning to consider a loan deal with an option to buy if the player continues pushing for a move away.

Inter turn to alternatives

With uncertainty surrounding Romero’s future, Inter have decided not to wait indefinitely.

The Italian club have now reached an agreement with John Stones, whose contract with Manchester City is nearing its end.

The move sends a clear message to Romero, as the Nerazzurri are now expected to pursue him only if they succeed in selling Benjamin Pavard during the current transfer window.

Negotiations have effectively stalled because Romero has made it clear that he wants to wait for Barcelona following Deco’s interest in signing him.

Barcelona monitoring defensive options

Barcelona have not ruled out strengthening their defence before the transfer window closes.

The club currently see two possible scenarios.

Barça will move for a new defender only if someone leaves. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

The first would involve signing an established central defender if one of the current centre-backs or full-backs leaves the squad, with Ronald Araujo or Jules Kounde viewed as the most likely departures.

The second option would be to recruit a younger defender with significant potential, ideally a left-footed player.

The club continue to monitor Jorge Salinas, although Barcelona are unwilling to pay the €16 million that Racing Santander are demanding for his transfer. Other candidates are also being assessed should the need arise.

If a defensive departure does occur, Romero and Aymeric Laporte would move to the top of Barcelona’s shortlist before a final decision is made.

Romero prepared to make financial sacrifice

One factor working in Barcelona’s favour is Romero’s willingness to lower his salary to help the club register him under La Liga’s financial regulations.

The Argentine is prepared to make concessions to facilitate the transfer.

Time could also favour Barcelona. Tottenham are keen to reduce their squad, while Romero is due to report back for pre-season training with the London club on 10 August.