Napoli join the race for Chelsea winger Gittens, with Roma also linked

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.

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."

Endrick, the Real Madrid forward who is reportedly AS Roma's priority target for the January transfer window, has spoken out about his future while on international duty with the Brazil squad. Speaking from the Brazil training camp, he said: "I will always give everything for Real Madrid because the club comes before anyone else, but with the attention and affection that Mourinho shows me, I am even more motivated to give my best." The striker, who is still only 20, initially spoke of his desire to make his mark in the Real shirt. However, when pressed on his future given his very limited minutes, he was more guarded about his next move. Roma are reported to have made him their top target as they look to strengthen up front, and his comments suggest he is weighing up a fresh start against staying in Madrid. He said: "I am only 20 years old, so I will 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 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 whatever is necessary to advance my career."