Why Atletico Madrid have given up on signing Tottenham's Cristian Romero

Atletico have been pursuing Romero throughout the summer, with manager and fellow Argentinian Diego Simeone a big fan of the former Atalanta defender. However, Tottenham have shown no intention of letting their World Cup winner leave and AS now report the La Liga side have "grown tired" of the saga and will instead move on to other targets.

Romero is thought to have been offered a new deal by Spurs but he is reportedly keen to start a new chapter away from north London. However, Daniel Levy and Tottenham didn't receive a bid they felt met their valuation, having rebuffed offers below their quoted price of €70m (£60m/$81m).

Romero only managed to play in 26 matches for Tottenham last season - the lowest tally from his four campaigns with the club so far - due to injuries, but the 27-year-old was a key presence in the latter stages of the Europa League triumph, putting in a massive performance in the final in Bilbao to help his side beat Manchester United.

Tottenham may now decide to increase their efforts in contract negotiations with Romero following Atletico's withdrawal, but the defender has been vocal in his desire to try something new. With two years remaining on his current deal, this saga is far from finished.