Inter Milan chief confirms interest in Romero as De Zerbi says transfer window ‘not done’ and updates on Bergvall, Maddison, Kudus and Kulusevski.
Inter Milan sporting director Piero Ausilo has confirmed that the club want to sign Tottenham captain Cristian Romero.
The Serie A champions are looking to sign a new defender and Romero is believed to be one of the favorites, having also been linked with free agent John Stones.
Spurs manager De Zerbi has previously left the door open for any potential players to leave the club amid doubts over the futures of Romero and midfielder Lucas Bergvall.
Inter have now confirmed their interest in the Argentina international, but have revealed that it will be a difficult deal to do.
Ausilo told Sky Italy: “It is definitely an agreement that we are trying to sign with the player and the club [Tottenham]. These things take time but there is something interesting. Let’s see.”
De Zerbi: We have to find a solution to the Bergvall situation
Midfielder Bergvall is believed to want out of Spurs after limited game time since De Zerbi was appointed in March, and De Zerbi admitted after Spurs’ 2-0 win over Auckland on Sunday that they need to resolve the Swede’s future somehow.
“I haven’t spoken to Lucas yet. I will in the coming days and we will make the best decision for the team, for Lucas, for me, for all of us. Regardless of the problems, Lucas is a great, great talent,” said the Italian.
“There will be a big competition to play because in the end I think we will have two players in each place, if he wants to stay I will be happy.
Besides, we have to find a new solution with Johan Lange, and Vinai. It’s not my job after the decision to leave.”
Spurs were not done in the transfer window
Spurs have been one of the most active clubs in the transfer window, spending more than £200million on Matheus Fernandes, Sandro Tonali, Marcos Senesi, Jan Paul van Hecke, Andy Robertson and Martin Dubravka so far.
De Zerbi insisted that the North Londoners are not finished yet as they look to reshape their squad, with at least one new striker thought to be a priority.
“It’s not finished yet, our transfer market,” added De Zerbi.
“I think we can be very happy at the end of this transfer market, because I talked a lot with the owner, the board and they want to build a very strong team this season but make the base for the future bigger as well.”
De Zerbi explains Maddison’s absence vs Auckland
De Zerbi has named a new XI to start the first pre-season game of their tour of New Zealand and Australia, with Dane Scarlett and Richarlison aiming for a 2-0 win.
James Maddison was one of the absentees at Eden Park, with the midfielder coming back from an ACL injury late last season.
Explaining the absence of the England player, De Zerbi said: “He has not been working for the last five days, I think like Udogie, but they don’t have a big problem, just stay focused, don’t put yourself at risk and then it’s the next game, the next friendly game with Sydney.”
“Maybe we play with Tonali, and other players, maybe, we have to see.”
Kudus is almost back
De Zerbi also said that Mohammed Kudus is about to return to the Spurs game, as he has not played since his season-ending injury in January.
“Kudus is very close,” said De Zerbi. “I think when we go back to London he will be there to start working with us. It’s a good thing for us. Kudus is another important player.”
De Zerbi also gave an update on goalkeepers Guglielmo Vicario and Dejan Kulusevski.
“Vicario is injured, not a serious injury, but he needs to stay for a week in London,” he said.
“Kulusevski, we have to see in the next few weeks. He is another important player. After one season, one full season, without a game, we have to analyze better and better, without taking risks, first for him and then for us.”
