Endrick on his future: 'I don't know what will happen in January'

Napoli are reportedly considering a move for 22-year-old Chelsea winger Gittens ahead of the January transfer window, according to Corriere dello Sport. The report says Napoli sporting director Manna has included the player among the profiles being monitored, widening the competition for a player who has also been linked with Roma. Gittens has never appeared in the Premier League for Chelsea, and he remains one of the names associated with Roma as they look to strengthen their attack. For now, however, Endrick is said to be well ahead in Roma's thinking. The interest from Napoli adds another club to a list of suitors for the Chelsea forward, with the January window expected to be the focus for any move.

Real Madrid forward Endrick has opened the door to a January exit, saying he does not know what will happen when the window opens but that he wants to play more football. Roma have kept a close eye on the Brazilian in the transfer market, having pursued him for a long time over the summer. Endrick has scored his only goal of the season against Roma, and he is finding very little game time under Mourinho, who has repeatedly said he has faith in the young striker. A loan move in January remains a concrete option, both because the 2006-born player wants more regular football and because Real Madrid want him to gain experience through a loan deal. For Roma, the situation keeps Endrick on the list of targets they are monitoring as the winter window approaches. Speaking to GloboEsporte, Endrick said: "I'm only 20 years old, so I'll see how things evolve. I just want to play, be happy and help my teammates. I don't know what will happen in January; it's in God's hands. I only ask for what is best for my career." He added: "Whatever is meant to happen, will happen. I will keep my feet on the ground and continue to give my absolute best. Madrid is a wonderful city, but I will always do everything necessary to advance my career."

Roma's focus for the January transfer window has settled on a single target: an attacking winger, ideally left-footed, who is already capable of making a difference at the highest level. The club's primary objective is Real Madrid's Endrick. The Brazilian and Gian Piero Gasperini reportedly admired each other before ever working together, and that admiration grew during the Champions League match between Roma and Real Madrid, when the coach valued the forward's versatility and his physical and technical qualities up close. Endrick was reportedly impressed by Roma's attacking style, which the report suggests would give him more enjoyment than the bench in Madrid. The transfer is constrained by two conditions. Roma can only pursue a deal along the lines of the Malen operation, meaning a loan with an obligation and a right of redemption linked to Champions League qualification, and nothing more. The player must also be of international standard, young but already able to make a difference at high levels, rather than an inexperienced prospect in the mould of Vaz or Venturino. The main obstacle is Real Madrid coach Mourinho, who has said he does not want to sell Endrick. Endrick himself spoke this morning and opened the door to a sale, and his entourage has been pushing for a move away from Spain for some time. Relations between the player and Roma have remained unchanged since the failed summer attempt, and a meeting was held after the Champions League game at the Olimpico to reaffirm their mutual desire to get together in January. The report says Endrick's mood is worsening by the day. Ancelotti has made clear he must play more or risk losing his place in the Brazil squad, which the article describes as a crime for a Brazilian. A loan has therefore returned to the conversation. Endrick could also return to Real Madrid in June, where Vinicius is reportedly running out of months. Roma would not be caught unprepared: a target is already marked for the summer in Kvernadze of Frosinone. The Georgian is much loved by Gasperini and could be available for less in the summer thanks to a reported 4 million euro clause with a high resale percentage. Frosinone currently do not intend to sell him unless they receive crazy offers, but the situation would change in June. The plan, the article says, is clear: Endrick now for the title race, Kvernadze tomorrow. The alternative to the Brazilian could be Gittens, but the fact that the Englishman has never actually played for Chelsea raises legitimate questions. Gasperini had recently expressed a desire to invest in midfield, but that possibility has faded as the days pass. Roma do not want to disrupt a department that has functioned well even during a real emergency, and the club is counting on Pellegrini's return in January. On the left side of defence, Lulli's emergence does not create any urgency, and loan opportunities will be taken if they arise. Oosterwoolde will not arrive, as his physical condition is not convincing, while Balde of Barcelona is of interest.