Tottenham Hotspur outcast Federico Fazio agrees three-year-deal with Roma

Tottenham Hotspur have sold Federico Fazio to AS Roma for €4m (£3.4m, $4.5m), IBTimes UK understands. The 29-year-old defender has agreed a three-year-deal with the Serie A side and the move is expected to be made official in the coming hours.

Fazio will join Roma on an initial one-year loan deal which will automatically become a permanent deal next summer. The Serie A club used the same loan method to sign both Mohamed Salah and Edin Dzeko, deals which effectively became permanent transfers, from Chelsea and Manchester City respectively.

Roma manager Luciano Spalletti revealed earlier this week he was close to securing the signature of the Argentine.

"We're following him and we would like to complete the purchase, even if it is not official," Spalletti said. "It would give us the opportunity to have one more spare in defence. He has important characteristics, he has won the Europa League. In England he did not play continuously. He has experience, is a sound player, is strong in the air. We are eager to see him at work continuously."

IBTimes UK understands the clubs ironed out the final details of the deal on Monday evening (1 August) to complete a move worth €4m.

The defender travelled to the Italian capital for a medical on Tuesday, ahead of completing the transfer. Once he passes the test, the Argentine will put pen to paper on a deal committing his future to Roma until the summer of 2019.

The former Sevilla defender also had an offer to join ex Watford manager Quique Sanchez Flores at Espanyol. However, the centre-back opted to move to Roma instead, where he will have the chance to play in the Champions League.

Fazio switched to White Hart Lane in the summer of 2014 after garnering a big reputation during his time in La Liga. Spurs, at the time, agreed to meet his €10m release clause at Sevilla following weeks of tough negotiations with the Europa League winners.

However, the centre-back failed to make the impact expected during his debut season under compatriot Mauricio Pochettino, and last summer was deemed surplus to requirements.

West Bromwich Albion then tried to secure his services, but after the move fell through he stayed at North London until January, when was sent back on loan to Sevilla for the remainder of the season.

However, Fazio also struggled to replicate his best form in Spain and Spurs have now opted to part ways with him, taking a €6m loss in the process.