Tottenham agree Cristian Romero fee with Inter Milan as contract talks stall

Cristian Romero appears to be edging closer to a Tottenham Hotspur exit after reports in Italy claimed Spurs have reached an agreement with Inter Milan over a transfer fee for the Argentina international.

The Serie A champions have made the defender one of their priority defensive targets this summer, and negotiations with Tottenham are said to have progressed significantly.

However, while the clubs are reportedly aligned on a transfer fee, personal terms remain the final hurdle before a deal can be completed.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Tottenham and Inter Milan have narrowed the gap in negotiations over the past few days and have now agreed a deal worth €40 million.

The report describes the breakthrough as an "important, perhaps decisive" step towards completing the transfer.

Romero has long been linked with a move to the San Siro, with Inter viewing the 28-year-old as the ideal addition to strengthen their defence ahead of the new campaign.

The agreement means the focus has now shifted entirely to negotiations with the player.

Despite progress between the clubs, Inter have yet to reach an agreement with Romero over his salary.

The defender is reportedly asking for €8 million net per season, a figure the Italian champions have not yet accepted.

Earlier reports suggested only a small gap remained between the two parties, but the latest update indicates negotiations have become more complicated.

Inter are exploring ways to reduce their wage bill, with Benjamin Pavard reportedly available for transfer, while Alessandro Bastoni continues to attract interest that could generate significant funds if he were to leave.

Either departure would improve Inter's financial flexibility and potentially help bridge the gap in talks with Romero.

Despite having a fee agreed with Tottenham, Inter are not rushing negotiations.

According to Sportitalia, the recent free signing of John Stones has given Cristian Chivu's side greater depth in central defence, allowing them to negotiate from a stronger position.

Rather than rushing into an expensive contract, Inter are prepared to wait in the hope Romero lowers his salary expectations.

That approach could also be viewed as a negotiating tactic designed to increase pressure on the Argentine international as talks continue.

Inter Milan will continue negotiations with Romero's representatives in an attempt to reach a compromise on wages. With Tottenham reportedly satisfied with the transfer fee, the success of the deal now depends on whether the defender is willing to lower his salary demands or Inter decide to improve their offer.