Roma attempt to hijack Leeds move for Lecce’s Krstovic | OneFootball

Roma are reportedly looking to hijack Leeds United’s move for Lecce striker Nikola Krstovic, as the Giallorossi look to fill the vacant number 9 shirt left by Tammy Abraham.

EMPOLI, ITALY – JANUARY 11: Nikola Krstovic of US Lecce celebrates the victory after during the Serie A match between Empoli and Lecce at Stadio Carlo Castellani on January 11, 2025 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

According to what has been reported by the Corriere dello Sport, via TMW, Roma have identified the Montenegrin striker as a key target.

Krstovic could snub Leeds for Roma

The reports from Italy claim that that the player had already advanced in talks to sign the player from Lecce but that he is prepared to put discussions on hold for the possibility of instead playing in the Italian capital.

epa11949615 US Lecce’s Nikola Krstovic scores during the Italian Serie A soccer match US Lecce – AC Milan at the Via del Mare stadium in Lecce, Italy, 8 March 2025. EPA-EFE/ABBONDANZA SCURO LEZZI

Krstovic wants to prioritise a move within Serie A and wishes to compete in European competitions. New Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is reportedly a fan of the player and believes he would complement Paulo Dybala and Artem Dovbyk well.

Lecce, however, are demanding around €25 million for the player – which could hand the advantage back to Leeds given Roma’s financial position.