Tottenham are ready to go higher for Atalanta defender Cristian Romero.

Tottenham are set to make a higher bid for Romero after Barcelona had a player exchange deal rejected, says Sportitalia.

Barca are set to return with an offer of a loan and an obligation to buy.

The LaLiga side are not in a position to pay a high fee for the 23-year-old due to their ongoing financial issues.

Tottenham are now preparing a higher offer for Romero.

Reports last week suggested they had made an opening bid of £34m plus £8m in add-ons.