Roma manager Zdenek Zeman is reportedly interested in bringing Newcastle United’s Davide Santon back to Italy during the winter transfer window.
The Italy Under-21 international may be available for around €8 million, according to calciomercato.com. Roma could use the extra depth at the fullback position as currently their only two natural wide men are Ivan Piris and Federico Balzaretti. Santon would be versatile enough to play on either side of the defence, and could possibly push either player for a starting position.
Once hailed as the next Paolo Maldini while at Inter, Santon struggled with expectations and injuries. The young defender was then shipped out to Cesena on loan before being sold to Newcastle in the summer of 2011 for a reported fee of €6mil.
The 21-year-old took some time to adjust to the Premier League, but has grown to become a steady presence in the Magpies’ backline, playing in all 13 of Newcastle’s league matches. In his first year with the club, Santon played 27 times in all competitions.
Santon is currently on a five year deal which expires in June 2016.
