Liverpool have sent emissaries to Rome in order to complete a £15m swoop for Alberto Aquilani, according to several Italian newspapers.
The Reds have shown an interest in the Roma midfielder as a potential replacement for Xabi Alonso, who is heading to Real Madrid.
Now it’s claimed the club has taken the firm step of sending two emissaries to Italy for crunch talks. The Gazzetta dello Sport says they are FIFA agent Frank Trimboli and an unnamed assistant to Rafa Benitez.
Initially the offer for Aquilani was said to be £13m, but that has been increased to £15m with a five-year contract for the player worth almost £3m per season.
The Italian international only recently extended his contract with Roma until 2013, putting pen to paper in May, after links with Inter, Juventus and Milan.
He is still recovering from ankle surgery and will undergo another check-up in Amsterdam next week.
Roma have made no secret of the fact they need to raise funds in order to strengthen the squad amid a financial crisis.
Coach Luciano Spalletti also declared this week that “we have an abundance of midfielders and probably one player too many in that position.”
Matteo Brighi was thought to be the one sacrificed to Fiorentina or Napoli, but Aquilani would certainly bring in a lot more money.
Aquilani would also balance the books more effectively, as he is a homegrown player and therefore the £15m qualifies as a total profit.
The Reds have shown an interest in the Roma midfielder as a potential replacement for Xabi Alonso, who is heading to Real Madrid.
Now it’s claimed the club has taken the firm step of sending two emissaries to Italy for crunch talks. The Gazzetta dello Sport says they are FIFA agent Frank Trimboli and an unnamed assistant to Rafa Benitez.
Initially the offer for Aquilani was said to be £13m, but that has been increased to £15m with a five-year contract for the player worth almost £3m per season.
The Italian international only recently extended his contract with Roma until 2013, putting pen to paper in May, after links with Inter, Juventus and Milan.
He is still recovering from ankle surgery and will undergo another check-up in Amsterdam next week.
Roma have made no secret of the fact they need to raise funds in order to strengthen the squad amid a financial crisis.
Coach Luciano Spalletti also declared this week that “we have an abundance of midfielders and probably one player too many in that position.”
Matteo Brighi was thought to be the one sacrificed to Fiorentina or Napoli, but Aquilani would certainly bring in a lot more money.
Aquilani would also balance the books more effectively, as he is a homegrown player and therefore the £15m qualifies as a total profit.
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