The Sun: Roma are preparing to make a £25million January swoop to sign Crystal Palace star Patrick van Aanholt. The Italian giants are on the hunt for a new left-back – and have identified Van Aanholt as one of their major targets next month.
Roma are lining up a £25 million (€27.7 million) move from Patrick van Aanholt in January — the 28-year-old has been in impressive form for the Eagles over the past 12 months and his performances have caught the eye of Monchi, the Serie A club’s director of football. Last year’s Champions League semi-finalists need to bring in a new left-back as a long-term replacement for former Manchester City star Aleksandar Kolarov.
And Roma are prepared to come up with a £25 million package they believe will be enough to tempt Palace into selling one of their most experienced players when the transfer window opens.
Van Aanholt has been under the eye of several clubs since his move to Selhurst Park, with Juventus highlighting him as their preferred option if they were forced to sell Alex Sandro.
The interest from Turin has cooled after the club persuaded Sandro to commit to a new long-term contract. But City scouts have also been monitoring his displays as they assess whether they need more cover at left-back with Benjamin Mendy sidelined through injury.
Pep Guardiola has highlighted the Dutchman’s ability going forward as well as defend, with the City boss making it clear he wants those qualities in a player if the club did decide to strengthen. But it is Roma who could be first to make their move despite Van Aanholt having two-and-a-half years left to run on his contract in South London – after initially contacting the Eagles last January over a possible deal.
