Miralem Pjanic can push Kerim Alajbegović to Roma

As reported by Corriere dello Sport, a move to Roma is very much on the cards for Bosnian teenage sensation Kerim Alajbegović after a recent round of positive talks between the two parties.

Semin Alajbegović, father as well as agent of Kerim, recently visited Trigoria and spoke to Roma’s director of football, Frederic Massara, with compatriot and club legend Miralem Pjanić reportedly playing matchmaker.

Pjanić’s involvement could further help make a strong case for the Roma project under Gian Piero Gasperini, with the Giallorossi intent on building a young squad core under the leadership of the 68-year-old.

Gasperini’s recent public spat with Roma legend Claudio Ranieri, currently a senior advisor at the club, did leave his future at the club in doubt, though recent reports suggest it is Ranieri who will be leaving his role. Gasperini’s presence in the dugout at the Olimpico will help the club in their pursuit of Alajbegović.

As things stand, the 18-year-old is on his way back to Bayer Leverkusen, whose academy he graduated from last year to move to Red Bull Salzburg. Last month, Bayer activated the €8m buy-back clause in his contract, having been impressed with his performances in Austria, though a fee in the region of €25 million could persuade them to move him on right away.

Roma are far from the only Italian side pursuing Alajbegović; Milan, Napoli, and Inter and also monitoring the young forward’s situation.