Football News

Value-for-money Serie A star gives Liverpool answer after firm approach

Lorenzo Pellegrini will reportedly turn down the advances of Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur to sign a new contract with AS Roma.

Liverpool have been linked quite heavily with Pellegrini in recent weeks. The Italian midfielder could act as a replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum. His ability to provide assists and add goals could even give the Reds a new dimension.

But they are not his only admirers, as Tottenham were linked with Pellegrini when Paulo Fonseca was close to becoming their head coach. The Fonseca deal is now off, but Spurs could still consider landing his trusted former captain from Roma.

Additionally, Barcelona have been linked, coincidentally after missing out on Liverpool’s Wijnaldum to Paris Saint-Germain.

Liverpool seems to be the most likely route away. The Reds have already signed Mohamed Salah and Alisson Becker from Roma in recent years. It is safe to say that both of those deals have worked out very well.

They may be particularly hopeful of signing Pellegrini due to his contractual situation. His current deal expires in 2022 and contains a €30m release clause, which can be paid over two instalments.

However, this time, Liverpool may not be as successful in their pursuit of a Roma talent. According to Corriere Dello Sport, Pellegrini is ready to reject their advances.

Having graduated the youth ranks at Roma before becoming club captain, he wants to follow in the footsteps of legends like Francesco Totti and Daniele De Rossi. At 25 years of age, he has a long way to go still, but sees his future very much where his present already is.

The premise of a release clause is to give the player the choice once the bidding club makes the offer. But he can still turn his suitors down – and that’s the decision it seems Pellegrini will make.

Give our social media channels a follow – we’re on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Pellegrini will be ready to work under Roma’s new coach, Jose Mourinho, who has a big project to oversee. The Giallorossi captain seemingly wants to be part of it, despite having the chance to play for a club of Champions League stature by leaving.

Hence, the likes of Liverpool and Barcelona will have to look elsewhere if they still want to fill the Wijnaldum-shaped hole left in their midfields.

Liverpool, Tottenham battling for striker

Pellegrini is not the only Serie A player who has attracted interest from both Liverpool and Tottenham recently. Reports have linked them both with Fiorentina forward Dusan Vlahovic.

He scored 21 goals in 37 games for a Viola side that finished 13th in Serie A last season. The powerful Serbia international is currently contemplating whether to sign a new contract to extend his stay at Fiorentina.

As per Tuttosport, Liverpool have already held discussions with his representatives over a move to Anfield.

However, it is Tottenham who perhaps have the greatest need for a potent new frontman. With Harry Kane the subject of a concrete approach from Manchester City, they face the very real prospect of losing their talismanic No. 9.

Calciomercato claim that Fabio Paratici, Spurs’ newly-appointed football director, has been in touch with Fiorentina over a deal.

READ MOREInsider claims £40m Serie A attacker is perfect fit for Liverpool, Tottenham

The post Value-for-money Serie A star gives Liverpool answer after firm approach appeared first on TEAMtalk.