Herrera and Berardi to Roma Rumors Persist

With the international break entering its second week, its been a slow news week for Roma. Because of that, the transfer rumor mill has again begun to swirl. Just weeks after the summer transfer window closed in Italy, Roma has again been linked with some familiar names.

Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images

Herrera Linked to Roma Again

This past summer there were reports that Roma could make an offer for Porto midfielder Hector Herrera. However, despite some informal conversations between Monchi and Porto, there was no need for another mezz’ala this summer. Things may now have changed. According to reports, with Kevin Strootman having moved on to Marseilles at the end of the summer, Herrera is again piquing interest in the Italian capital.

Herrera, 28, is a highly experienced player who could fit tactically in EdF’s preferred 4-3-3. He could also provide tactical flexibility, as he has the ability to sit deep next to N’Zonzi or DDR in a 4-2-3-1 set up. Herrera has a €40 million release clause in his contract, but is out of contract at Porto after this season. That means the Mexican international could be made available for cut rate in January. According to Corriere dello Sport, Roma could try to strike a deal in the €10-15 million range. As an added bonus, if he’s acquired in January he could be added to the UEFA list for the second half of the Champions League campaign.

Photo by Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images

Barcelona to Battle Roma for Berardi’s Signature?

For every transfer rumor that seems to make a lot of sense, there are plenty that raise an eyebrow. File this one away in the latter category. There’s no question that one of the most common names linked to Roma since EdF’s arrival last summer, has been that of his star pupil at Sassuolo; Domenico Berardi. Berardi has opened the season in sparkling form for EdF’s former club, and his name is again being linked to Roma. However, this time there’s a twist.

According to reports out of Spain, Berardi has caught the eye of, none other than, Barcelona. Barcelona apparently see Berardi as an alternative to Luis Suarez and could make a move in the summer. How does this involve Roma? Well, after the Malcom fiasco this summer, Roma don’t want another one of their transfer targets commandeered by the Spanish side. If Barcelona really are serious about making a move for the 24 year old Italian, Monchi will have to decide just how badly he wants Berardi to avoid a fate similar to that of the Malcom transfer.