AS Roma ‘to step up talks’ for Marseille defender Leonardo Balerdi | OneFootball

AS Roma have reportedly accelerated their move for Olympique de Marseille defender Leonardo Balerdi, 27. Foot Mercato reports that initial negotiations are under way.

Seeking to add another defender, the Italian club are said to be in talks with Marseille and the Argentinian. Balerdi is understood to be open to joining the Giallorossi.

Marseille, needing sales to bolster their finances, are understood to be ready to sanction a loan with a mandatory buy-out clause. That framework would clear a path for his departure.

Such an exit is seen as a welcome boost for the Ligue 1 side, while a prospective move for Igor Paixão, 26, who is being courted by Sunderland AFC, is also on the cards.

Six years after arriving in France, Balerdi appears set for a fresh start. He has made 200 appearances for the Olympians and worn the captain’s armband for the past two seasons.

Source: GetFootballNewsFrance.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”