Roma line up two defensive alternatives, not over for Hummels yet

Roma are continuing their search for a new centre-back after sending Chris Smalling to Al-Fayha of the Saudi Pro League on Monday, and have two new names on their list, plus Mats Hummels, who could still be an option despite recent reports of issues in negotiations with the Giallorossi.

Roma working on new centre-backs

Outlets in Italy suggest there could be a sensational return to the Stadio Olimpico for Kostas Manolas, who is a free agent after his brief spell with Salernitana at the end of last season.

The former Greece international spent five seasons with Roma, before moving to Napoli and then Sharjah FC in the United Arab Emirates .

Calciomercato.com report that former Liverpool defender Joel Matip could also be an option for Daniele De Rossi. Like Manolas, he is not expected to command a particularly excessive salary.

The first choice, though, is still Germany veteran Hummels. Reports from Sky on Monday claimed that Roma were backing off the 35-year-old after coming across a couple of issues in negotiations on personal terms, but Tuesday’s reports suggest that the situation is not unsalvageable.

Roma have also added former Atletico Madrid centre-back Mario Hermoso to their ranks after the close of the summer transfer window, but would still like to bring one more in after Smalling’s departure.