Serie A side AS Roma are stepping up their efforts to sign Real Madrid forward Endrick on loan in January.
According to Coriello dello Sport, the Giallorossi are confident they can win the race for the Brazilian youngster.
Endrick is a priority target for Roma sporting director D’Amico, who sees the 20-year-old as the ideal addition to Gian Piero Gasperini’s attack.
The Italian club have been working on a potential deal since last summer and has already received encouragement from the player’s camp.
Endrick is keen on the move. He wants regular first-team football after struggling for opportunities at Real Madrid. Roma can offer him a prominent role.
Endrick has played just four minutes for Real Madrid this season. He will likely be allowed to leave on loan just as he did last term.
After struggling for game time last season, he enjoyed a productive spell at Lyon in the second half, scoring eight goals and providing eight assists in 21 appearances.
His performances in France earned him a place in Brazil’s World Cup plans and attracted interest from several clubs, but he rejected them to fight for his place at Madrid.
It wasn’t a wise move as Los Blancos boss Jose Mourinho has not given him a chance.
Thankfully, Endrick regained some confidence after featuring for the national team against Australia (twice) and India. He bagged a goal and an assist.
Interestingly, Roma are not alone in their pursuit. Milan are also making concrete enquiries about Endrick.
The Rossoneri have a strong relationship with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, but Roma have been at it longer and seem to be the player’s preference, which could prove decisive.
The Giallorossi believe Endrick can provide quality and add pace to Gasperini’s frontline while giving the Brazilian the platform he needs to rediscover his best form.
Endrick desperately needs game time to keep developing and evolve into the world-beater many expected when he first emerged.
Roma looks perfect (so does Milan too). The Romans sit atop the Serie A log after five games (W4, D1).
They are chasing their first Scudetto since 2001 and could use some inspiration in the second half of the season to get over the line.
With the January window still some way off, talks are expected to continue.