Reports suggest that AS Roma is eyeing Leicester defender James Justin as a potential transfer target ahead of the summer transfer window. Jose Mourinho, the manager of Roma, is reportedly keen on signing the English full-back to reinforce the team’s defence for the upcoming season.
According to CalcioMercato, Roma has already met with CAA Stellar, the agency that represents Justin, to discuss his potential transfer to the club. The agency also represents Ruben Loftus-Cheek of Chelsea and Sofyan Amrabat of ACF Fiorentina, who are also Roma transfer targets.
Mourinho was reportedly impressed with Justin’s performance when Roma faced Leicester in the Europa League last year. The 25-year-old defender was observed in action during that match, and Roma is eager to sign him despite his recent injury problems. However, the club hopes to reach an agreement on a discounted price with Leicester due to Justin’s fitness issues and the possibility of the club being relegated.
Mourinho will need to sign a full-back for Roma, as Rick Karsdorp is on his way out of the Italian capital, and Zeki Celik has not made an impression during his brief stay in Rome. It is unclear whether Leicester, who recently appointed Dean Smith as their interim manager, would be willing to let Justin leave. The defender was widely regarded as one of England’s best full-back options after making his team debut for Gareth Southgate, but injuries have since plagued him.
If Justin joins Roma, he may be able to put his injury problems behind him in Serie A. However, for the time being, the 25-year-old will stay with Leicester to help the team escape the Premier League’s relegation zone. In the future, he might be sold if Leicester fails to maintain their Premier League status, as Timothy Castagne and Ricardo Pereira can step in for the Foxes.
Roma intends to make a €20 million offer for Justin, who was a former Luton star. Mourinho, who has managed top teams such as Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham, highly regards the English international, and hopes to bring him to the Giallorossi for the upcoming season.
