Roma have Ruffier agreement

AS Roma are stepping up their efforts to sign Saint Etienne goalkeeper Stephane Ruffier, according to L’Equipe.

It is no secret the Giallorossi are searching for a new number one after Maarten Stekelenburg was allowed to join Fulham earlier this summer.

During the past few weeks, Roma have been linked with Morgan De Sanctis, Stefano Sorrentino and Emiliano Viviano, but they seem to have made Saint Etienne’s Stephane Ruffier their number one target.

New boss Rudi Garcia knows the player well from French Ligue 1 and he is keen to lure him to Stadio Olimpico.

According to L’Equipe, the 26-year-old has agreed in principle to join the Giallorossi, but the two clubs have yet to reach an agreement over the transfer fee.

Stephane Ruffier, who has amassed almost 200 top flight appearances, is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in French Ligue 1, and he is reportedly looking for a new challenge.