Monday, 22nd October, 2012
Serie A side Roma are looking closely at a possible swoop for Athletic Bilbao defender Fernando Amorebieta, according to sources in Italy.
The Venezuela international’s contract at the San Mames is due to run out in 2014 and, despite much talk in Spain that he was on the verge of agreeing to extend it, has not yet put pen to paper.
It is believed that the stumbling block is that Amorebieta is asking for a six-year deal, while Athletic are only willing to offer a five-year agreement.
The defender is thought to be happy with the proposed wages on offer of €1.9M per year.
However, Roma are understood to have received positive feedback from the 27-year-old over the possibility of a switch to Italy and, should no agreement be reached with Athletic, Amorebieta would consider joining the Giallorossi.
A fee would still need to be agreed with the Basque giants however, which could prove troublesome given how highly they rate the defender.
relatedNewsStoryAthletic remain hopeful that a deal can be struck which would see Amorebieta remain at the San Mames.
The Venezuela star has also been linked with a number of other clubs, including English giants Liverpool and Russian Premier League champions Zenit St. Petersburg.
He is though a product of Athletic’s youth academy and is passionate about playing for the Basque club.
