Roma to pursue Dejan Lovren if they miss out on Chris Smalling

According to the Italian publication La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Daily Mail), Roma have identified Dejan Lovren as an alternative to Chris Smalling.

The Manchester United star has impressed on loan at the Stadio Olimpico. Roma are keen to make the stay permanent but are unable to meet United’s £20m valuation of the player. This could see them turn their attention to Lovren, who is expected to cost a lowly €4m – €5m.

Smalling too is keen on a return to Roma. According to Il Tempo (h/t Daily Mail), the Italians are exploring the option of loaning him for another year.

Lovren has fallen down the pecking order and is arguably the fourth choice defender at Liverpool. The likes of Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, and Joel Matip are all ahead of the 30-year-old.

He has struggled for game time in recent months and could be tempted to move to the Italian capital in search of regular action. He was linked with a move to Italy last summer but ultimately chose to stay put.

The 30-year-old centre-back was also linked with a switch to Italy last summer but ultimately remained at Anfield.

With the current financial situation, Liverpool will be hard-pressed to bring in an experienced defender to replace the Croatian.

The player will soon enter the final year of his contract and the Reds stand to gain financially if a deal can be reached this summer. However, it will be in the club’s best interests to keep Lovren at the club.

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The Croatian is a popular player off the field and is a positive influence in the dressing room. He may not be our best defender but he is an excellent fourth choice to have.