Roma sign Atalanta defender to put Alderweireld deal in doubt

Roma have announced the arrival of Atalanta centre-back Gianluca Mancini on a season-long loan deal with an obligation to buy.

The Serie A outfit have agreed a €2m (£1.8m) loan fee with Atalanta and will pay a further €13m (£17.2m) to make the switch permanent next summer. 

Roma, who have also agreed to another €8m (£7.2m) in add-ons, have been on the market for a new centre-back since confirming Kostas Manolas’ departure to rivals Napoli.

Paulo Fonseca’s side have been heavily linked with a move for Tottenham ace Toby Alderweireld, who has a £25m release clause.

Clubs have until July 25 to trigger Alderweireld’s buy-out clause but Tottenham want that paid in full.

Coupled with Alderweireld’s wage demands, Roma have instead moved for Mancini and it remains to be seen whether they are still pursuing the Belgium international.

There have been suggestions Tottenham will use Alderweireld as a makeweight in a deal for Roma starlet Nicolo Zaniolo, but wage demands would still be an issue for the Italian club.

Mancini scored more goals than any other centre-back (five) in Serie A last season.