On Thursday, we relayed news from Gazzetta dello Sport that Manchester United were still interested in AS Roma’s Lorenzo Pellegrini.
The young midfielder had been scouted by the Red Devils earlier this season, during a 3-3 draw against Atalanta, and while he played well, his latest performances have been a different kettle of fish.
Moved further forward by Eusebio di Francesco, the 22-year-old has impressed greatly in an attacking midfielder role, scoring a goal and getting an assist after coming off the bench in the derby against Lazio.
All this attention from the past couple of weeks have forced Roma to look at the situation surrounding their young starlet, especially his €30m release clause.
Gazzetta revealed that amount was payable in two instalments, and was valid until 2021.
Corriere dello Sport, on the other hand, believe it’s only applicable until 2020, and can only be triggered between July 1st and July 31st of each year.
Either way, it’s a paltry amount, and Roma are aware he’s worth a lot more than that on today’s market, which is why the Italian newspaper report they want to get rid of it altogether.
The fact sides like Manchester United are watching the youngster means they could, should he leave, make a huge amount of money on him.
However, scrapping the release clause would also mean a new salary, which they feel he also deserves.
It seems José Mourinho, or whoever ends up replacing him (the way things are going), might have to wave goodbye to the thought of getting Pellegrini for €15m + €15m.
Our bet is he’ll have a new deal by Christmas.
