• Premier League

Roma expect De Rossi to reject City advances

ESPN staff
August 20, 2012
Daniele De Rossi will discuss his future on Tuesday © PA Photos
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Roma manager Zdenek Zeman is adamant Daniele De Rossi will remain at the club, despite reports of strong interest from Manchester City.

Italy international De Rossi has long been linked with the Premier League champions, with Roberto Mancini known to be an ardent admirer of the combative midfielder.

Transfer talk surrounding De Rossi died down after the 29-year-old signed a new long-term contract with the Giallorossi in February, but picked up steam once again last week after City apparently returned with a sizeable offer.

De Rossi has reportedly called a press conference on Tuesday to announce his future plans, but Zeman expects he will choose to stay with his boyhood club.

"I am convinced that De Rossi stays with us," said Zeman. "He is very important for us and the club has not asked me anything about him. I think he will remain."

Zeman acknowledged, however, that Mancini had previously been in contact with him about the player, although not in the last few weeks.

"Has Mancini have ever called me? Several times, even when I was at Pescara last year," he said. "The last time I heard from him was three weeks ago."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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