Liverpool’s ongoing interest in AS Roma midfield dynamo Miralem Pjanic looks to have taken a bit of an interesting turn following Reds boss Brendan Rodgers trip to Italy last week. The Northern Irishman is rumoured to have been thrashing out heres and theres with the Italian clubs director of football Walter Sabatini and rumour has it he’s come back to Merseyside with some big numbers.
The Bosnian playmaker, who recently signed a new four year deal with the Roman side reportedly worth somewhere in the region of £160,000k per week, is said to be Rodgers top choice to replace Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard when he departs for the LA Galaxy this summer. If that’s the case, the Reds will not only have to make the 24-year old their highest paid player to tempt him away from the Eternal City, but they’re going to have to shell out around £37mil to prise him away from a Roma side that just aren’t interested in selling.
Pjanic has been the subject of interest from a number of big name sides with both Manchester United and French billionaires Paris St. Germain rumoured to have made approaches for the attacking midfielder in the past. Reports back in January had the Reds valuing the 24-year old at around £23mil, but it looks like his price is on the rise with the Serie A side looking to warn off potential suitors. In an interview last month, Giallorossi president James Pallotta said they weren’t interested in parting with Pjanic, but they would consider “stupid” offers for his services.
There’s no question that £37mil is a “stupid” number, but with Liverpool outside of the Champions League places following a slow start to the season, they could be ruled out of the running before even making a bid should they fail to finish in the top four or win the Europa League. Roma look set to secure a spot in the prestigious competition, currently sitting second in the Serie A table behind leaders Juventus — the Reds may be back to playing attractive, winning football, but Pjanic would be a bit more than hesitant to move to a side that isn’t playing in UEFA’s top tier tournament.
