Mexes set to leave Roma

(GSM) – Roma are looking to offload Philippe Mexes as he enters the final year of his contract at the Olimpico.

The French defender has been warming the bench lately as he has failed to convince Claudio Ranieri, who prefers Nicolas Burdisso.

La Gazzetta dello Sport understands that Roma have opened negotiations to make Burdisso’s move from Internazionale permanent, making Mexes’ exit more likely.

“I met Marco Branca to speak about Burdisso,” the player’s agent, Fernando Hidalgo said yesterday.

“Inter are willing to do a deal at a certain price with Roma but if they can’t come to an agreement he would be welcomed back with open arms.

“I have never heard that he would cost €6m, but it’s obvious that Inter wouldn’t like to give him away because he has shown himself to be important.”

Meanwhile, Mexes has already been linked with Juventus and Milan, but there is also reported interest from England.

Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal are monitoring the situation closely, as are Manchester United who tried to sign Mexes when he was a youngster at Auxerre.