Roma’s bid to land Burdisso could fail

(GSM) – Roma boss Claudio Ranieri has admitted the Roman club’s efforts to sign Internazionale’s Nicolas Burdisso could be failing.

Following an impressive loan spell with Giallorossi, Ranieri is looking to add Argentine defender to his squad.

But Internazionale’s asking price for the Argentina international, who fared admirably at the 2010 World Cup, is quite high.

Unable to meet such demands, Roma’s discussions to land the 29-year-old have come to a standstill.

Ranieri said: “Burdisso? If Inter continue with the amount they are asking for, I’m afraid we cannot afford him.

“They must come down to a reasonable request, taking into account that they did not even include him in their Champions League squad last season.”

Even though Burdisso has fallen down the pecking order at Inter, the reigning European champions are adamant about their evaluation.

Technical director Marco Branca has justified the defender’s price, arguing that he is an experienced international.

He told Sky Italia: “I have a good relationship with (Roma’s sporting director, Daniele) Prade and if Roma want to call me they can. But I think they are looking at other players.

“In regard to the value of the player, do you think that Burdisso is only worth 3.5 or 4 million euros (£3.3m)?

“Last season he was available for loan but now he is worth much more.

“We know that the player would like to join Roma, but their offer is too low. The desire of the player will be taken into account but it is also important to respect the wishes of the club, who have brought him to Italy and always tried to please him.”