Aston Villa and Newcastle United are continuing to tussle for Roma defender Roger Ibanez, who appears set to leave the Italian club this summer.
That’s according to Calciomercato.it, who say the defender could cost €25-30m as Roma look to sell to raise funds to reshape their squad.
They explain that after the disappointment of the Europa League final, Roma are not resting on their laurels and already moving to improve Jose Mourinho’s squad with new signings.
They’ve already targeted several players but to be able to add them they will need to make at least €30m in capital gains from sales by 30th June.
Ibanez is one of the players in the squad with the ‘most attractive profiles’ and there is a belief he could be sold for €25-30m as there is interest in him.
He is ‘liked by’ Aston Villa and Newcastle, both of whom are keen to strengthen this summer after impressive seasons.
Newcastle, of course, need additions for a season back in the Champions League while Aston Villa managed to qualify for the Europa Conference League after an impressive turnaround under Unai Emery.
Both clubs have the funds and a willingness to spend them for their managers and it seems Roma are counting on them moving for Ibanez so they can kick off their own dealings.
An ‘important update’ on his future is expected in the coming week either way, suggesting both Villa and the Magpies could be making a potential move sooner rather than later.
