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Tottenham are close to finalising the capture of Atalanta defender Cristian Romero, with Daniel Levy and Fabio Paratici now fully expecting the move to go through as planned, according to reports. The latter has been tasked with finding a new central defender since becoming the club's managing director of football last month, with Spurs in need of additional reinforcements to stand the best chance of returning to the Premier League's upper reaches this season.
The north London outfit are currently facing the prospect of a long and bitter fight to keep hold of wantaway striker Harry Kane, who failed to report to their training ground on Monday morning.
The 27-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester City, with the newly-crowned Premier League champions seeing a bid in the region of £100million rejected by Spurs earlier this summer.
Kane is under contract for another two years and Levy is said to be desperate to avoid selling the forward, suggesting that City may not be able to secure his signature ahead of the new campaign.
However, player power usually has a significant role to play in high-profile transfers and it remains to be seen whether Kane's refusal to train will have any further implications with regards to his immediate future.
Although Paratici will be looking to convince the England skipper that his best interests can still be served at Spurs, the 49-year-old is also working hard to supplement his side's ranks with a number of incomings.
Romero has been heavily linked with a summer move to Spurs (Image: GETTY)
He is a keen admirer of Romero, who he knows well from his time at Juventus, and is close to securing the Atalanta defender's signature after a long period of talks, according to football.london.
The report claims that Spurs are 'confident' of the move being rubber-stamped in the near future, with a transfer fee in the region of £42.7m having been agreed with the Serie A heavyweights and parent club Juventus.
The deal is said to be in its final stages, with Romero eager to make the switch to north London after negotiating personal terms.
He will reportedly be allowed to join Spurs as soon as Atalanta's search for a replacement enters an advanced stage.
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The 23-year-old excelled at the back for Atalanta last season (Image: GETTY)
Barcelona have also been linked with a summer move for Romero, but Levy and Paratici appear to be in the driving seat with a move to England now looking increasingly likely.
Romero is halfway through a two-year loan spell at the Gewiss Stadium and featured heavily throughout the previous campaign as Atalanta secured an impressive third-placed finish in Italy's top flight.
He made 42 appearances in all competitions and was rewarded for his efforts with a spot in Argentina's victorious Copa America squad last month.
Spurs have also been mentioned in connection with a move for Bologna defender Takehiro Tomiyasu, who could join Romero in the capital before the window slams shut at the end of the month.
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Spurs have already been active in the market this summer (Image: EXPRESS)
Paratici has already negotiated the signing of winger Bryan Gil from Sevilla, with Erik Lamela going the other way in a part-exchange deal.
Pierluigi Gollini kicked off the club's summer business last month by joining on loan from Atalanta, and the former Aston Villa man will be expected to provide cover for Hugo Lloris between the sticks over the course of the campaign.
Meanwhile, Toby Alderweireld has been shipped out to join Qatari side Al-Duhail on a permanent basis, with his departure amplifying Paratici's desire to sign at least one new central defender.