After securing Matías Viña of Palmeiras, Roma are looking around for an additional defender in case Smalling were to leave the club before the end of the transfer window. As a result, the list of names for the center-back spot keeps on growing.
Recently, Spanish outlet Sport reported that Roma are keen on French defender Clément Lenglet who, after a mediocre season under Ronald Koeman, may be looking for a new destination.
The Roman club reportedly even went as far as making a preliminary bid for the player through various intermediaries. The bid amounted to €15 million, which Barcelona promptly rejected. The Spanish side are asking for a minimum of €25 million.
Barça were reportedly looking to include Lorenzo Pellegrini as a counterpart in an eventual deal, but Roma are not letting go of their captain.
The chances of a deal for Lenglet are slim, as the player makes over €3 million annually and Roma’s priority this summer is to reduce the wage bill. Other clubs interested in the Frenchman include West Ham and Everton.
