Giuntoli and Paratici lose ground in Roma sporting director race

Porto's finance director has confirmed a clause in the Rodrigo Mora deal that could cost Roma well over the initial €25 million. José Pedro Pereira da Costa said the Portuguese club holds an option to collect another €25 million. Porto keep 50% of Mora's future resale, but can also ask Roma to buy that stake. The revelation puts the midfielder's future back in the spotlight. Away from the transfer detail, Repubblica reports that Gasperini would like to rebuild a more direct relationship with Dan and Ryan Friedkin. That contact has become less frequent since the arrival of chief executive John Galantic. The coach stresses there is no rift with the club, but wants to share strategy more closely ahead of the January window. Gasperini regards the owners' backing as essential to the team's progress. Elsewhere, Ekrem Konur reports that Roma made a €25 million offer for Brazilian winger Samuel Lino, which Flamengo rejected. The 1999-born player is valued for his pace and ability to beat opponents, but the Brazilian club will not discount him. Juventus, Napoli and several English clubs are also tracking him. Bild reports that Stuttgart would sell Leweling for €30 million, down from the €35 million combined offer Roma made in August. Leweling has two goals and one assist in 14 appearances. The clubs have had no new contact for now. Roma's January plans are also taking shape. An offensive winger remains the priority, though Gasperini may also seek a midfielder. Gittens, Wiafe, Bakola and Højbjerg are among the targets. Financial constraints point towards loan deals with an obligation to buy, on the model of Malen. No deal has been agreed yet. Former Roma player Antonio Cassano praised Mora on Viva El Futbol: "È un giocatore meraviglioso, stratosferico". He predicted Mora would go on to play for even bigger clubs. Cassano also criticised the frequent substitutions made by Gasperini, while acknowledging the growth of the 19-year-old. Mora has scored in each of the last three league matches and has also been called up to the senior Portugal squad. His output is making him one of the key figures in Gasperini's Roma, although his minutes are still being managed carefully. Endrick, the Real Madrid forward, has said: "Voglio solo giocare, essere felice e aiutare i miei compagni", adding that he does not know what will happen in January. D'Amico is ready to consider a loan, but Mourinho continues to oppose the departure of the 20-year-old.

Gian Piero Gasperini continues to press for reinforcements at Trigoria, with Endrick his first choice for the attack, even as the international break begins. Endrick spoke today about his future: "I don't know what will happen in January; it is in God's hands. Madrid is a wonderful city, but I will always do everything necessary to advance my career." The Brazilian has no doubts anymore and has decided to leave Real Madrid in January. Roma face competition for his signature from Sporting Lisbon, who will lean on the Fonseca factor. Former Roma coach Ruben Fonseca trained Endrick last season at Lyon, and the Portuguese club have already opened contacts with the striker. Roma's plan, however, is clear: sign Endrick on loan to chase the Scudetto, and bring in Kvernadze on a permanent deal in the summer. The idea of using Nagida on the left has also come up as part of the club's planning.

Brazilian forward Endrick has told Spanish outlet AS that he has decided to look for another club that will give him more game time, and he intends to leave Real Madrid in January. Roma, who came close to signing him in the summer, are now competing with Sporting Lisbon for the player. Sporting have opened contacts with the entourage of the 22-year-old in recent weeks and will lean on the influence of Ruben Fonseca... [placeholder]