Barcelona's Bastoni Chase Stalls Over Fee With Romero Considered

Overview

• Reports say Barcelona have delayed opening talks with Inter until the Serie A title is sealed as interest in Tottenham defender Cristian Romero grows.
• Inter want about €60 million for Alessandro Bastoni, while Barcelona are reluctant to go beyond roughly €50 million unless a player is included.
• Inter have prepared for a possible Bastoni sale and now fear that pushing for more could send Barcelona to Romero, who is expected to cost less.
• Bastoni is willing to join Barcelona and personal terms are not seen as an obstacle, though he does not plan to force a move in public.
• Romero is viewed as a lower-cost alternative, with Spanish reports saying Spurs would accept less and that relegation could reduce his price further.