De Rossi is not on the market

by Patrick Bateman Mon Jul 25, 2011 12:10 am

Sunday 24 July, 2011
'De Rossi is not on the market'

Roma director general Walter Sabatini has warned “Daniele De Rossi has never and will never be on the market. Jeremy Menez’s sale is almost certain.”

The midfielder’s contract expires next summer and talks for an extension have hit problems over wages and the length of the deal.

This has fuelled reports De Rossi could be sold to ensure he cannot leave as a free agent in 12 months’ time, with the likes of Milan, Inter, Chelsea and Real Madrid showing interest.

“Daniele is not subject to negotiations, as he has never and will never be on the market,” declared Sabatini.

“We are in talks over the renewal and will not begin any process with other clubs. He is not for sale.

“I’d prefer to have long negotiations over the contract renewal and risk losing him in a year than let him go today. The club will do everything possible to keep hold of De Rossi.”

If De Rossi is staying, then Menez looks ready to sign for Paris Saint-Germain within hours.

“Menez’s sale is almost certain,” confirmed Sabatini. “As for Mirko Vucinic, the process of his departure will not be accelerated, especially as he showed some great things in the friendly last night. His sale is probable, but not certain.

“Maarten Stekelenburg is one of our objectives. When the team returns to Trigoria for training, there will certainly be a new goalkeeper.

“I want to clarify another situation, as Javier Pastore will not come to Roma. You’ll soon realise we already have the new Pastore in our squad, as it’s Erik Lamela.”

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