Tottenham Hotspur have tabled a bid in excess of £43m for Atalanta BC defender Cristian Romero, according to a report.
The Lilywhites have already struck a deal for La Dea goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini and are now thought to be prioritising the signing of Romero following Toby Alderweireld's exit.
However, Atalanta are prepared to play hardball in negotiations over a deal for Romero, who is technically still on loan at the Serie A side from Juventus.
Atalanta have been expected to hold out for a fee of £47m for the Argentina international, but according to Sky Italia, they could be tempted by Spurs' offer of £43m.
Romero is said to be keen on a move to North London, and Spurs manager Nuno Espirito Santo wants the deal done before the opening day of the Premier League season, but the report adds that Atalanta want more time to find a replacement.
The 23-year-old amassed three goals and five assists from 42 appearances in all tournaments last season, and he started in Argentina's Copa America final win over Brazil earlier this month.
Ben Knapton
