Roma are understood to be in pole-position to sign Boca Juniors defender Nicolas Valentini, with Giallorossi chiefs set for talks with the players agent this week.

The 23-year-old has only six months left on his contract in Buenos Aries and De Rossi, who knows the players attributes from his time at La Bombonera, is keen to bring him to the Italian capital.

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, De Rossi is not prepared to wait for the January window where he could get his man on a free- transfer, but wants Sporting Director, Florent Ghisolfi,  to close out the deal before the Giallorossi report for pre-season training on July 8.

Valentini, who has made 47 appearances for Boca since being promoted into the first-team in January 2023, is understood to have courted interest from both Napoli and Serie A new boys Como, but the two have an excellent relationship and the Argentine international would not take much convincing to join up with his old friend in the Eternal City.

Steve Mitchell | GIFN