Liverpool and Spurs target Lorenzo Pellegrini wants to stay at Serie A giants Roma but his wage demands are a potential stumbling block, as reported by Il Romanista.
You have to feel for Pellegrini.
The Roma captain was supposed to play a key role for Italy at Euro 2020.
But, after pulling out of Roberto Mancini’s squad on the eve of the tournament following the most ill-timed of injuries, Pellegrini has been forced to watch from home as Marco Verratti, Jorginho, Federico Chiesa and co prepare for Sunday’s final against England at Wembley.
Pellegrini’s future at club level is up in the air too, making this a summer of frustration for one of the game’s most gifted attacking midfielders.
In June, Calciomercato reported Premier League giants Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur were weighing up whether to trigger the £25 million release clause in the contract of a man who produced an impressive 11 goals and nine assists under Paulo Fonseca last season.
Is Roma’s Pellegrini heading to Spurs or Liverpool?
Jose Mourinho would have been thrilled to learn Pellegrini wants to stay in the Italian capital. But extending his contract – he will become a free agent in 2022 as it stands – is proving to be easier said than done.
Roma have put agreeing a new deal with their talismanic playmaker at the top of their list of priorities, with Pellegrini – who has “no intention” of leaving – set to be offered a deal until 2026.
As it stands, however, the Giallorossi are struggling to match his £66,000-a-week demands.
It remains to be seen whether Pellegrini softens his stance – and he may do just that given how determined the 25-year-old is to play a key role under Jose Mourinho at the Stadio Olimpico.
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