Roma: no Kovacic loan

By Football Italia staff

Real Madrid are reluctant to give Mateo Kovacic away on a loan basis, so Roma turn to Newcastle United's Georginio Wijnaldum.

The Giallorossi need to bring quality back to their midfield after Miralem Pjanic activated his buy-out clause and left for Juventus.

The Italian club's interest in Kovacic is being confirmed by La Gazzetta dello Sport, who report that the Lupi are now allowed to discuss terms with the player.

However, they also report that the Merengues are unlikely to accept Roma's request for a loan deal, and will only sell him outright, at a price of €30m.

That amount is considered excessive by sporting director Walter Sabatini, who is more likely to turn to another target.

The club reportedly have a meeting with Newcastle United in the coming days to discuss Wijnaldum, who is now the main candidate.

Earlier reports suggested that Roma were after two midfielders though, so it's possible that Kovacic could still be a target, alongside Zenit St Petersburg's Axel Witsel.

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