Roma pressing hard for Endrick; Mastantuono headed for Fiorentina

Barcelona have decided to sell left-back Alejandro Balde, who is finding game time increasingly hard to come by in La Liga, and Manchester United are now reportedly in the running for the Spanish wing-back alongside Roma, according to ElNacional.cat. The reports describe interest rather than a concrete negotiation. Balde has never started a match for Barcelona, and coach Flick has reportedly opened the door to his departure. Roma's interest is not new: the left-back profile was linked to the Giallorossi in the previous weeks as well. Balde would be an alternative to Oosterwolde for the left-back berth in Roma's defence. The article adds that Balde's profile has been mentioned in connection with Roma before, and that the left-side options under consideration include Balde as a replacement for Oosterwolde in the lower band of the defence.

Roma are reportedly keeping an eye on Brazilian midfielder Gabriel Sara, who plays for Galatasaray, as they look to strengthen their midfield in the January transfer window. The 1999-born player, who had been linked with the Giallorossi in the past, has reportedly returned to the club's list of monitored names, according to German outlet fussball-news.de. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is reportedly seeking reinforcements in midfield after Lorenzo Pellegrini suffered a serious injury, leaving the department without an important player. Sara is said to combine technical quality, forward runs and energy, qualities that could prove useful in Gasperini's midfield. Competition, however, is already significant. Napoli have reportedly also looked at the player in Italy, while Newcastle and Everton have reportedly moved for him from the Premier League. The two English clubs are reportedly ready to offer a figure close to €30 million to persuade Galatasaray to sell the midfielder. Roma are watching and evaluating the situation for now. The need to add a midfielder has become even more pressing following Pellegrini's absence, but much will depend on the economics of the deal and the competition that develops in the coming weeks.

Real Madrid forward Endrick, who has played only five minutes across Liga's last two matches, is reportedly pushing to leave in January and continues to favour a move to Roma. He had reportedly been ready to join Roma back in June, but Real Madrid manager Mourinho refused to let him go, and the situation could now change. Endrick is reportedly even more convinced of Roma after watching them in action against his side. His late entry was decisive in Roma's final turnaround, and Gasperini's footballing philosophy greatly appeals to him. The coach has never hidden his high regard for the young player, who would reportedly find more space in the capital. An initial meeting with Endrick's entourage took place in the days after the match at the Olimpico, and contacts remain active today. Endrick has placed Roma first and has two allies in his pursuit. The first is Wesley, who had already recommended a villa in Casal Palocco, next to that of the winger. The second is Carlo Ancelotti, the Brazil head coach, who wants Endrick to play more and has not hidden this even publicly. Ancelotti knows Rome well, and his advice would reportedly not be questioned. Serious discussions are expected in about a month, close to the winter transfer window, and perhaps once Real Madrid have worked out how to replace the Brazilian in their squad. The deal would reportedly be a loan, with a notably high buy-option.