Roma are closing in on the free transfer of Liverpool full back Glen Johnson, according to widespread reports.
Johnson is entering the final six months of his contract at Anfield, with the Reds reluctant to offer a new deal to a 30-year-old currently earning £110,000 a week.
The Reds have Jon Flanagan returning from injury shortly, and also completed the signing of highly rated Spanish full back Javi Manquillo on loan from Atletico Madrid in the summer.
Johnson – who was left out of Roy Hodgson’s latest England squad – has stated his desire to stay at Anfield, but admits there have been no discussions about a new deal.
That means the former Chelsea defender is free to hold discussions with another club in January, with Serie A giants AS Roma stepping up their interest.
The Italian’s signed Johnson’s former international teammate Ashley Cole on a free transfer in the summer, and could do the same with the Liverpool man when the transfer window opens.
It remains to be seen as to whether Liverpool decide to let Johnson leave at the end of the season, or sanction the move early in order to trim the wage bill.
