Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez is an alternative for Roma should they fail to land primary midfield target Douglas Luiz, according to reports in Italy.
Recent reports had suggested Aston Villa’s Luiz is of interest to Roma boss Jose Mourinho and the Brazil international’s contract expires at the end of the season.
La Gazzetta dello Sport report Mourinho remains hopeful of signing Luiz, despite the recent arrival of Nemanja Matic on a free transfer.
Villa’s asking price is between €30-€35 million but Roma hope that, with 12 months remaining on his contract, they could strike a deal closer to €22m, the report adds.
If Roma could finalise the deal by June 30, they would benefit from the national Growth Decree.
La Gazzetta also suggest that failure to seal a deal for Luiz could open up the door to a move for Atletico’s Saul who spent last season on loan at Chelsea.
The 27-year-ol has returned to the Wanda Metropolitano and could be available for around €25m.
Douglas Luiz wants a change and a different challenge with Roma placing him at the top of their list of midfield targets. He's valued at €30m-€35m but Roma believe they can lower the price given he only has one-year left on his contract ✍️ [@Gazzetta_it] #avfc pic.twitter.com/A7nDjHQGmh
— Total Villa (@Total_Villa) June 17, 2022