Barcelona are ready to intercept Tottenham Hotspur’s attempts to sign Cristian Romero from Atalanta and create a bidding war.
Spurs have made their position clear in pursuing the Argentina international, offering €40m plus up to €10m in bonuses.
That is still too far off the asking price of €60m for a player who is fresh off winning the Copa America, where he was rushed back from injury to start the Final against Brazil.
Tottenham have sold Toby Alderweireld to Al-Duhail today, raising €13m to put towards the Romero fee.
However, Sportitalia warn this evening that Barcelona are getting ready to dive into the negotiation process with an offer of their own.
The same source has reported for some time that Barca were watching the situation carefully, but they now expect the Blaugrana to make a formal bid over the next couple of days.
Atalanta are more than happy to spark a bidding war, having paid Juventus just €18m to sign Romero last summer, on a two-year loan with option to buy.
Romero has agreed personal terms with Spurs, but he certainly would not turn down Barcelona, especially as he’d reunite with his Argentina international teammate Lionel Messi.