Roma’s search for a defender has taken them to Juventus, where they are attempting to intercept a deal Frosinone had for Dean Huijsen.

The Giallorossi badly need reinforcements in defence with Chris Smalling and Marash Kumbulla injured, plus Evan Ndicka now away on Africa Cup of Nations duty.

However, Financial Fair Play limitations leave them with practically zero budget, so they are looking for a young player on loan who will not take up a non-EU slot.

This has seen them swerve towards Juve youth academy product Huijsen, who is 18 years old and already made his Serie A debut this season with one appearance.

The idea had been to loan him to Frosinone for the rest of the season so he could get regular playing time, but La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Roma had suddenly intercepted with their own proposal.

That is now confirmed by multiple sources including Sky Sport Italia and Sportitalia, who also report that Huijsen would much rather join Roma than Frosinone.

Not only would he get the opportunity to work with Jose Mourinho, but also to play in the Europa League.

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