Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid want to secure the services of Tottenham defensive mainstay Cristian Romero before Club World Cup.

According to a report from the Express, Atletico Madrid have made Cristian Romero their top priority for the upcoming summer transfer window. Diego Simeone’s team are keen on adding him to their squad before the Club World Cup.

Romero has only gone from strength to strength since joining Tottenham from Atalanta. He has established himself as one of the best defenders in the Premier League and has gone on to win numerous titles with the Argentine national team.

The World Cup winner remains an integral part of the North London club’s first team. While he has struggled with injuries this season, the 26-year-old has still featured in 22 games and even has a goal to his name. He is slowly getting back to his best.

Romero still has two years left on his deal at Spurs but his future has been a big talking point in recent weeks. The Argentine has been linked with a move to Spain and Atletico Madrid have emerged as favourites to sign him.

Atletico want a deal before Club World Cup

Simeone is a big admirer of the Tottenham centre-back and believes his arrival could help them take the next step. The Madrid-based outfit are quite confident about getting a deal over the line, even though Spurs don’t really want to part ways with one of their best players.

Daniel Levy has built a reputation as one of the toughest negotiators in football, but Atlético Madrid remain optimistic about striking a deal for less than £45 million. With Cesar Azpilicueta, Axel Witsel, and Reinildo Mandava’s contracts running out and Clement Lenglet set to return to his parent club post his loan, Simeone’s team are looking to sign two new central defenders.

Romero is the first name on their shortlist and they want to get his deal over the line before the start of the Club World Cup. Since Azpilicueta, Witsel, Reinildo and Lenglet could all miss the summer event, they are pushing hard to land the Argentine centre-back in time for the competition. The player seems to be quite interested in their project which could certainly help them during negotiations with Levy.