Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla claims that Jose Mourinho’s Roma and Maurizio Sarri’s Lazio are in talks to sign Dries Mertens – amid reports the veteran free agent is a target for Leeds, Newcastle and Crystal Palace
Mertens, 35, is set to see his Napoli era end. Nine years with the Serie A club has seen him amass an enormous 371 games. He is the club’s all-time leading record goalscorer with 148, even above Diego Maradona.
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But his contract ends on June 30 and it remains to be seen where he wants to go. Reports from Belgium last week say that Premier League trio Leeds, Newcastle and Palace have shown interest in signing the 104-time Belgium ace.
Pedulla reported on his website over the weekend that Mertens could remain in Serie A. Roma and Lazio are in talks to sign Mertens on a free transfer this summer, ahead of Leeds, Newcastle and Palace.
Roma and Lazio in talks for Leeds and Newcastle target Mertens
Mertens is a player that most European clubs should be looking to sign. Last season, he scored 13 goals and showed no signs of slowing down despite his age. Indeed, he clocked up 37 appearances for Napoli.
Perfect for a mid-table, or even a European-pushing side in the Premier League on a two-year deal, it is no surprise to see Leeds, Newcastle and Palace interested. Roma and Lazio would be stunning moves.
But Mertens has a loyalty with Napoli and would hardly join another Italian team. So, while talks are underway with Roma and Lazio, if a Premier League club came in for him, he might prefer it.
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