Roma have confirmed their interest in Erik Lamela, but insist that a deal has yet to be done with River Plate.

River chief Daniel Passarella and the player himself are reportedly set to arrive in Italy over the next 24 hours, with the capital club seemingly in pole position to sign him.

Roma have confirmed their interest in Erik Lamela, but insist that a deal has yet to be done with River Plate.

River chief Daniel Passarella and the player himself are reportedly set to arrive in Italy over the next 24 hours, with the capital club seemingly in pole position to sign him.

An official from the South American outfit told Clarin yesterday that negotiations with Roma were "80 per cent" complete.

However, Roma sporting director Walter Sabatini has underlined that they haven't got their man just yet.

"We are as distant as the other clubs interested in Lamela," the Giallorossi transfer guru told Sky Sport 24. "I'm surprised by the reports.

"We are interested in him, I like him and have been following him for some time, but we are some way off from saying that we will sign him.

"And I haven't got a meeting planned with Passarella. I didn't even know that these directors were travelling to Italy.

"Perhaps there has been a bit of confusion from Argentina, unless there is another sporting director working for Roma…"

Stories from South America are suggesting that Lamela, an attacking midfielder, will cost €12m and will be handed a five-year contract.

Napoli and Milan have also been paired with the 19-year-old.

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