Endrick says he loves Real Madrid but wants to play

Real Madrid forward Endrick has sent fresh signals in the transfer market, and Roma are watching closely. The Brazilian has been one of the players most admired by Gian Piero Gasperini, who had identified him in the previous transfer window as a possible addition to complete the attack. In the summer, however, the move never really took off. José Mourinho had vetoed Endrick's departure, wanting to keep him in the Real Madrid squad. The following months did not give the Brazilian the space he had hoped for, and the question of his future has returned to the fore as January approaches. The central issue is playing time. Endrick wants to play with greater continuity and does not appear set on ruling out a departure if it were the best solution for his development. Asked about his future, according to Fabrizio Romano, the forward 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." His position became more interesting when the conversation turned directly to the winter market: "I don't know what will happen in January; it is in God's hands. I only ask for what is best for my career. 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." Those words do not amount to a request to leave, but they clearly leave the door open to a new experience. Roma remain interested. Gasperini has been asking for a further attacking reinforcement since arriving at Trigoria, and Endrick continues to represent a profile especially welcomed by the club. Much will depend on the intentions of Real Madrid and the conditions of any possible deal. Compared with the summer, however, there is a substantial difference: this time the player himself is placing the need to play at the centre of his thinking.

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.

Gian Piero Gasperini wants to bring Dan and Ryan Friedkin closer to AS Roma, and he has not hidden that desire publicly, according to a report in Repubblica today. The aim goes beyond the owners' presence at Trigoria: the head coach wants a direct line to the Friedkins on the club's strategic decisions, starting with the January transfer window. Repubblica reports that direct contact between Gasperini and the Friedkin family has become less frequent since the arrival of John Galantic, appointed Roma's new chief executive at the end of July. Galantic now acts as the link between Trigoria and the American ownership, and the new structure has changed how the coach and the club's leadership communicate. Gasperini, however, wants to rebuild the personal relationship that helped convince him of the strength of the giallorossi project. The coach has never concealed how much he values the closeness of the ownership. He wants Dan and Ryan Friedkin more involved in the day-to-day life of the squad, sharing goals, needs and choices for the future directly with them. He first expressed the idea publicly last October, when he explained the difference from his time at Atalanta, where the Percassi family were present every day. Gasperini said he feels the trust and support of the Friedkins, while recognising the different way the American owners run the club. His objective, though, has always been to involve them more closely, particularly ahead of the market.