City target De Rossi set for new Roma talks

Roma director Franco Baldini is set to re-open contract talks with influential midfielder Daniele De Rossi, according to reports in Italy.

The 28-year-old’s current deal is due to expire at the end of the season and negotiations have so far failed to lead to a contract renewal.

But La Gazzetta dello Sport claims the Serie A club are confident that Italy international De Rossi will extend his stay – despite the interest of English Premier League club Manchester City – and are reportedly willing to offer him an annual salary of six million to hold on to him.

Roma are also also believed to be willing to include a minimum release clause of 25 million euros to offer De Rossi a way out, in case the club fail to meet his expectations in the remainder of the 2011/12 campaign.

De Rossi is a product of the Roma youth academy and has made over 350 appearances for the club since making his debut in October 2001.