Roma interested in Vertonghen


Roma are looking for a defensive reinforcements this summer and could also find themselves looking for a replacement for Chris Smalling as talks with Manchester United over a permanent deal for the Giallorossi’s loanee continue to stall.

Corriere dello Sport has reported that the capital club have turned their attention to out-of-contract Belgian defender Jan Vertonghen.


The Giallorossi are seeking an experienced central defender and the now former Spurs man seems to fit the bill.

Roma adviser – who is also effectively the club’s sporting director – Franco Baldini has yet to strike a deal with the Red Devils for Smalling. Given that Roma have recently switched to a three-man defence, if the club cannot strike a deal for the Englishman, they may be forced to find two reinforcements.

However, Roma boss Paulo Fonseca would prefer to have at least two experienced central defenders to pair with youngsters Gianluca Mancini and Roger Ibañez — so the potential arrival of Vertonghen does not rule out the possibility of a permanent deal for Smalling.