Roma Interested in Miranchuk Twins

Here's a new one for you: Roma are interested in a set of twins. Russian footballing twins, to be exact. Aleksey and Anton Miranchuk to be even more exact. In all my years reporting on Roma transfer rumors, I can safely say this is the first time we've reported on Roma's interest in twin footballers. However, according Russian newspaper Sport Express, the Giallorossi's interest in the Miranchuks has been piqued in recent weeks.

The brothers, 24-year-old fraternal twins (at least that's my guess), have been key figures for Lokomotiv Moscow the past few seasons. Aleksey, an attacking midfielder/forward, has scored five goals and contributed three assists in 19 appearances this season. While Anton, an attacking midfielder/left winger, has been hampered by heel and ankle problems all season, limiting him to only 10 appearances, though he has scored twice and provided an assist. Last season, however, he was the more productive twin, scoring 11 goals and chipping in two assists.

With the brothers’ contracts set to expire after 2021, the Miranchuks seem keen on exploring life beyond the Russian Premier League. And while Aleksey has drawn some fleeting interest from Barcelona, it seems like Roma are set to duel with their former sporting director for the twin's signature.

According to Sport Express, Sevilla have jumped to the front of a queue that includes Roma and AC Milan. With an expiring contract, the twins will likely come cheap, with each valued at roughly €14 million.

I can't pretend to be an expert on either player, no do I have an intimate knowledge of the Russian Premier League, but you have to be intrigued by their tactical flexibility and relatively low cost. Of course, bringing in two multifaceted pieces like these would necessitate some exits on the other end of the equation, but Aleksey seems like a good complement to Dzeko while we can assume Anton would be insurance in case Roma can't retain Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

If nothing else, the transfer rumor mill is churning out some interesting stories lately.