Mourinho halted Endrick deal as Roma closed in on Brazilian

Midfielder Romano, loaned to Cagliari with a mandatory €6.5 million buy clause, has emerged as one of Serie A's most promising performers this season and has attracted Inter's attention. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Inter are preparing ground to attempt to bring him to Milan, with the club's interest depending partly on the renewal of Calhanoglu. Inter's strategy is to move early, avoid auction competition, and closely monitor the midfielder's development. The 2006-born player has impressed with his performances, personality and consistency, playing a leading role in Cagliari's strong start to the campaign. Roma inserted a 10 per cent resale clause into the deal, a provision that now carries particular weight given Inter's pursuit. The question lingers whether Roma released one of its talents too early, though the giallorossi have kept a door open through that clause. Cagliari naturally have no intention of selling at a discount. In fact, Romano's performances and Inter's interest could push his valuation upwards. A fee above €20 million is already being discussed, and if the midfielder maintains his current level, the price could rise further.

Pes reported that Manu Koné was honest about external interest in him during the transfer window, saying: "Koné was sincere, he didn't hide. He could have said '0-0', but he told the truth. Someone was interested in him, more or less. On the last day there was a Chelsea bid, which Roma rejected. The Blues' interest was significant: between 31 August and 1 September Roma had some hesitation, but then didn't flinch." Chelsea's attempt came late in the window but was turned down. Pes added that Gasperini considers Koné very important to his plans, and that Roma would not have let him depart in the final days of the market had he been surplus to requirements. On UEFA matters, Pes indicated that Trigoria is not deeply worried about potential sanctions, with Roma's expectation being no major penalties. He assessed that the club has reduced costs and that a heavy fine is the most likely outcome. Radio commentators discussed rotation in the squad ahead of upcoming fixtures, with Torri noting that Roma have more quality this season compared to the previous year: "There's no one you'd say doesn't play. Everyone can rotate, and I think Gasperini will have them all play in these next matches." Valdarchi and Rossomando both highlighted Marten de Roon as a tactical asset for upcoming games. Valdarchi stated: "De Roon is useful both as a starter and as a substitute: there's no one like him for tactical intelligence in Gasperini's concepts." Rossomando suggested De Roon could start against Como, saying: "For me this time against Como Mora can start. Watch out also for De Roon: that way you have an extra midfielder. I see De Roon against Como. For one reason or another, against Como the others aren't at 100%: Pellegrini, Soulé and Mora. That's why I see De Roon, and then you push Cristante forward." Rossomando noted that Soulé will have limited training time before the Como match.

Roma came far closer to signing Endrick from Real Madrid during the summer than was publicly known, according to Spanish outlet AS. The Brazilian had received multiple loan proposals to leave Madrid, and Roma's offer had become the solution that convinced him most. Contacts between Roma and Real Madrid were already advanced and the deal appeared to be heading towards a decisive phase when José Mourinho intervened. The Real Madrid manager, impressed by Endrick's performances during pre-season, personally asked him to stay in Madrid, assuring him he would have playing time during the season. Endrick accepted Mourinho's request and abandoned the opportunity to move to the capital. However, things have not gone as planned. After some physical problems at the start of the season, Endrick has received very little playing time in Real Madrid's attacking rotations. Roma had already identified him in the summer as a possible offensive reinforcement, and his lack of use at Madrid could completely change the scenario in the next transfer window. According to AS, the player had already tentatively agreed to reassess his situation in January should minutes not materialise. The Roma window could therefore reopen, with the prospect significantly stronger given that Mourinho may have far fewer arguments to convince Endrick to remain in Spain on this occasion.