Spurs are actively looking to maximise player sales before the September 1 transfer deadline in order to offset an ambitious spending spree that has seen them lavish more than £260m on six new signings so far in the current window.

The 26-year-old will follow England team-mate John Stones to the San Siro after the latter joined Inter last month as a free agent following his exit from Manchester City, while the Nerazzurri are also expected to renew their interest in Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones after loaning Italy international Davide Frattesi to Lazio.

Tottenham have also inserted a 15 per cent sell-on clause into the deal for Romero, whose exit will leave them needing to appoint a new club skipper for the second time in the space of 12 months.

However, Spurs are understood to have never entertained any prospect of selling him to their arch-rivals.

Romero’s exit from Tottenham this summer had long been anticipated as he seeks a fresh challenge elsewhere after four seasons.

Romero was the subject of more criticism last term for his disciplinary issues on the pitch and more games sat out through suspension, while he angered Tottenham fans by flying to Argentina ahead of their crucial last-day showdown with Everton.