According to reports in Italy, Roma have not given up in their pursuit of Santos striker Marcos Leonardo and are expected to make a new bid soon. The Giallorossi have been tracking the young star since the start of the year, and were linked with him in May when the club sporting director Tiago Pinto contacted the Brazilian side to begin talks.
Talks with Santos for Leonardo have intensified in recent weeks, with Roma having made a first bid for the player, which was rejected by the Brazilians. Club director Falcao was asked about the prospective deal, and told UOL:
“Marcos Leonardo was sought out by Roma who spoke to the president, I didn’t get involved, I never do.”
“I spoke to the president afterwards and Roma’s offer, in addition to the conditions they included, was low. There is no way to make the deal happen this way.”
Despite the emphatic statements, Roma have reportedly prepared another bid to try and sign the 20-year-old.
Sky Sport Italia report that the player is keen on making the move to Rome, and there has been another call between Roma, Santos and the players agents, in an effort to agree terms on a deal.
Roma have reportedly made a new proposal on payment terms and the hope is that Santos will not increase their demands – The new offer is expected to be €10 million as a fixed fee plus a further €8 million in add-ons.
