Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur have received a massive boost to their pursuit of Roma defender Roger Ibanez, according to Giallorossi.net.
Faced with financial turmoil, last season’s Europa Conference League winners will have to offload several first-team players to balance the books and comply with Financial Fair Play regulations.
Roma chief Tiago Pinto will have to raise around €60 million from player sales to proceed with transfer dealings, with Ibanez and Tammy Abraham emerging as leading candidates to leave Rome.
While the former Chelsea striker may cost up to €40m amid speculation linking him with a Premier League return, the Brazilian defender could depart for half that price.
Since moving to the Stadio Olimpico in January 2021, Ibanez has established himself as a permanent first-team fixture, cementing his place in the starting line-up alongside Chris Smalling and Gianluca Mancini.
He has made 42 appearances in all competitions this season, including ten in the Europa League, helping the Giallorossi set up an exciting semi-final tie against Bayer Leverkusen.
But despite being held in high esteem by head coach Jose Mourinho, the 24-year-old could fall victim to Roma’s desperate need for cash, with Newcastle and Tottenham ready to take advantage.
In addition to the two Premier League clubs, La Liga heavyweights Atletico Madrid are keeping a watchful eye on Ibanez’s status at Roma as they bid to strengthen their backline in the summer.
As far as English suitors are concerned, Spurs, who have developed a habit of finding reinforcements in Italy, must overhaul their fragile defence at the end of the season.
Following the signings of Dejan Kulusevski, Cristian Romero, Ivan Perisic and Rodrigo Bentancur, they are now keen to persuade another Serie A star to move to the Premier League.
The Magpies have massively relied on Sven Botman and Fabian Schar this season, and both have performed reasonably well.
But with a long-awaited Champions League qualification practically in the bag, they’ll need more strength in depth next term.
