Roma CEO Tiago Pinto has told Sky Italia the doors are ‘always’ open to players coming and going, amid reported transfer interest from Crystal Palace in forward Borja Mayoral.
Pinto addressed Mayoral’s situation at the Stadio Olimpico before the Giallorossi’s 2-0 win over Spezia on Monday, via quotes by Gianluca di Marzio. Jose Mourinho fielded the striker in his line-up for the Serie A affair as he manages a clutch of injuries.
Mayoral has occupied a backup role under Mourinho for much of the campaign. His outing against Spezia was the 24-year-old’s fourth league game and first start of the season so far.
The Spaniard has mostly featured in the Europa Conference League and scored his first goal of the term last week. He followed Tammy Abraham breaking the deadlock to find the net on 34-minutes. His goal helped beat CSKA Sofia 3-2 and secure top spot in Group C.
Crystal Palace are closely monitoring Mayoral’s situation at Roma in view of a possible mid-season transfer, The Sun report. La Nazione also note the Eagles are ready to offer €10m (£8.5m) for the striker owned by Real Madrid.
Pinto addresses Mayoral future at Roma amid Crystal Palace interest
Pinto says Roma will weigh up Mayoral’s future in January, amid Crystal Palace’s transfer interest. But the Giallorossi chief does not feel now is the right time to discuss their plans.
“The most important thing is that he has always been a great professional waiting for his chance and on Thursday, he did well,” Pinto said.
“Today, [he] will have another opportunity then in January, we will see. The doors are always open, in and out, but now is not the time [to discuss transfers] yet.”
January, then, may give Crystal Palace a chance to seal a transfer for Mayoral. But they will hope he does not become a key part of Mourinho’s plans as Roma manage their injuries.
The forward only lasted an hour against Spezia before Mourinho called for changes. Yet Felix Afena-Gyan, who replaced Mayoral, showed himself in a poor light in stoppage-time. Referee Alessandro Prontera showed the striker a second yellow card for a handball.
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