Roma could still sell Manchester United and Chelsea target Kostas Manolas before the end of the window, according to reports.
According to Gazzetta Dello Sport, Roma could agree to sell Manolas should a club make a large enough offer for the Greek international. The defender is also said to have been furious about being left on the bench in Roma’s 3-2 defeat at Sampdoria yesterday.
Manolas has made a total of 21 appearances for Roma this season, but has only started six of their last 15 matches and this has added fuel to rumours that he will be sold. He is also said to be upset at the lack of progress on contract negotiations.
Football Italia also claim that Roma are open to offers for their defender as they are worried about meeting financial fair play conditions. Manolas will have no shortage of suitors and is regarded as one of the finest defenders in Europe.
Manchester United were said to be plotting a £50m bid for him this month. Manager Jose Mourinho has struggled to field a strong defence at times this season due to injuries, and was linked with a move for defensive reinforcements.
It also emerged last month that Chelsea were interested in the Greek international in January, as Antonio Conte looks to add defensive options as well. Chelsea will need to strengthen their side, with Branislav Ivanovic on the verge of a move away from Chelsea and John Terry almost certainly leaving at the end of the season.
Manolas’ agent also confirmed that Roma had rejected a bid of £35m from Arsenal for the defender last summer, after which the Gunners moved on to sign Shkodran Mustafi from Valencia. It seems unlikely they will renew their interest given Mustafi’s excellence in England.
At the time, Manolas’ agent also said that he wasn’t sure if the defender would move in January but did hint at a deal being struck in the summer. However, that appears to have changed if recent reports are to be believed.
While there is no doubt that Manolas has attracted the interest of England’s biggest clubs it remains to be seen if any of the interested clubs will test Roma’s resolve with a bid. However, with two days left in the transfer window there may not be enough time for a deal.
