• Premier League

Chelsea warned off De Rossi swoop

ESPNsoccernet staff
July 3, 2011
Daniele De Rossi's future has been called into question following the arrival of Luis Enrique © Getty Images
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Roma director of sport Walter Sabatini insists Daniele De Rossi and and Marco Borriello are "not on the market", but did confirm that striker Marco Vucinic has requested a transfer.

The arrival of new coach Luis Enrique last month has brought the futures of a number of players into question, with De Rossi one of those tipped to be moved on, as he enters the last year of his contract.

Reports in the Italian press have suggested that the Azzurri midfielder could sign for Chelsea or Inter Milan to make way for a big-money signing, such as Javier Pastore from Palermo.

But Sabatini has denied such reports and stressed that talks are ongoing with De Rossi regarding a new deal at the Stadio Olimpico.

"I will not weaken the squad by selling De Rossi," Sabatini told Sky Sport Italia. "He said many times that he wants to stay and so we will certainly reach an agreement."

Sabatini went on to discuss strikers Borriello and Vucinic, claiming that the former AC Milan forward would stay with the Giallorossi, while Vucinic looks likely to leave.

"Borriello is not on the market," Sabatini said. "As for Jeremy Menez, it depends on his state of mind, whether he wants to remain or not.

"Vucinic requested a transfer, but the club's intentions were to keep hold of him."

On Roma's potential new arrivals, Sabatini added: "We will conclude the deal for [Sporting Gijon defender] Jose Angel on Monday. Next week we'll also have an update on Ajax goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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