Roma and Juventus eye Barcelona left-back Balde

Roma have added Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde to their list of January targets but face competition from Juventus, according to TuttoMercatoWeb, as reported by Football Italia. The report says Barcelona are open to selling the 23-year-old in the winter window to raise funds for a new centre-back, which is described as Hansi Flick's top priority for the second half of the season.

Roma are reported to be unbeaten after 11 games and two points off the top, with sporting director Tony D'Amico seeking to strengthen Gian Piero Gasperini's squad in January. Gasperini is said to like the Spain international, though a deal is described as difficult given Balde's high valuation and wages; one option mentioned is a loan with an obligation to buy, possibly linked to Champions League qualification.

Juventus are also monitoring the situation because Andrea Cambiaso could leave, the report says. It adds that Liverpool, Aston Villa, Manchester United, Manchester City, Tottenham and Monaco are all interested.