ROMA could be about to hand Maurizio Sarri a return to management following reports of talks between the two parties.
Paulo Fonseca is set to leave the Serie A club following a disappointing season, and discussions with Sarri began some time ago.
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According to Leggo, the 62-year-old was contacted by Roma earlier this year and talks have since accelerated.
Negotiations are described as going well with the ex-Chelsea and Juventus boss said to like the prospect of coaching the Giallorossi.
He reportedly sees Roma as a good fit for his 4-3-3 formation with the potential to build the team into a real force over the medium-term.
Alternative offers to coach in Turkey, France, and with Fiorentina are thought to be of less interest to Sarri.
However, the Friedkin Group in charge at Roma may yet be tempted by Massimiliano Allegri if he throws his hat into the ring.
With four defeats and a draw in their last eight league games, the club’s hopes of qualifying for next year’s Champions League are fading.
Former Shakhtar Donetsk coach Fonseca guided the side to fifth in Serie A last season while falling early in both cup competitions.
A humiliating Coppa Italia exit at the hands of Spezia almost led to his sacking in January and even a strong run in the Europa League, with Ajax up in the quarter-finals, will reportedly not be enough to save his job.
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Sarri has been out of work since leaving Juventus last summer, despite winning the club’s ninth consecutive Scudetto.
He had previously won the Europa League in a single season at Chelsea.
Should the Italian make the move to Roma, there is every chance he will be linked with a return to Stamford Bridge to sign long-time midfield general Jorginho.
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