Roma and Juventus Want Barcelona's Alejandro Balde

Roma have included Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde among their January transfer targets. Juventus, meanwhile, are reported to be monitoring the player.

According to TuttoMercatoWeb, Barcelona are open to selling the 23-year-old in the winter window in order to create funds for a new centre-back, which is Hansi Flick's first priority for the second half of the season. Roma are seen as genuine title contenders, as they have gone 11 matches unbeaten and sit two points behind the leaders. Sporting director Tony D'Amico wants to strengthen Gian Piero Gasperini's squad in January.

Gasperini is said to like Balde. However, as the player's market value and salary are high, Roma need to find the right formula. A loan with a mandatory purchase option is being considered for this. It is reported that the option could be tied to qualifying for the Champions League.

The competition for the player is also reported to be fierce. Liverpool, Aston Villa, Manchester United, Manchester City, Tottenham and Monaco are also interested in him. Juventus, for their part, are following the situation closely due to the possibility that Andrea Cambiaso could leave the club.