26M Rated Italian Midfield Maestro Makes Decision On His Future Following Liverpool And Barcelona Interest

Roma midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini has decided to sign a new contract with the Serie A club, according to reports in the Italian media.

Both Liverpool and Barcelona have been tracking the Italian international, who currently has a €30m (£26m) release clause, but the midfielder is said to be keen on staying loyal to the Giallorossi.

Pellegrini is reportedly flattered by the interest being shown in him but he wants to continue playing for the team he has supported since he was a boy.

A new deal would likely remove, or at least increase significantly, the buyout fee needed to snap up the 25-year-old, and it appears any hopes that Liverpool had of signing the player have now been ended.

The Reds are actively looking to sign a new midfielder this summer as they look to replace Georginio Wijnaldum. Borussia Monchengladbach’s Florian Neuhaus, Porto’s Otavio, Brighton’s Yves Bissouma and Aston Villa’s John McGinn have all been mentioned as potential targets in recent weeks.