Atalanta have set their asking price for Cristian Romero, who is attracting interest from Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona, Calciomercato claims.
The 23-year-old joined the Bergamo outfit on a season-long loan from Juventus last summer. They have the option to buy him for just €16 million.
Atalanta are expected to trigger the clause, and it is claimed that they could demand around €60m to consider his sale during the ongoing transfer window.
United previously signed Amad Diallo from the Serie A side, but there are unlikely to receive any discount on Romero, who has four caps with Argentina.
Spurs and Barcelona have also been credited with an interest in Romero, who appears set to leave the Bianconeri without making a competitive appearance.
Sportslens view:
Romero made a big impression during his debut campaign for Atalanta as the club qualified for the Champions League for the third season running.
Their clever low-cost recruitment has put them in a good financial position. They are reluctant to lose any of their prized assets unless a significant transfer offer is made.
Romero has superb defensive qualities. He managed two tackles and three interceptions per game last season while also winning an average of four aerial duels.
He also chipped in with three goals and three assists from his 44 appearances. He has the hallmarks to suggest that he could become a world-class centre-back.
Both United and Spurs are actively searching for an elite central defender, but the former appear to be prioritising a move for Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane.
A deal won’t be straightforward with Los Blancos president Florentino Perez still holding grudges with United over the failed David de Gea transfer in 2015.
This could shift their focus towards Romero, but he won’t come on the cheap.
Spurs have also been linked with the Argentine, but they appear to be eyeing a low-cost signing. They are in advanced talks with Bologna for Takehiro Tomiyasu.
Barcelona could be ruled out of the race, given they are facing big financial issues. The Blaugrana need to lower their wage bill by a staggering €200m to register new players.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com and Whoscored.com
Read: Everton and Tottenham keen on Atalanta goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini.
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