Liverpool: Pundits discuss Dejan Lovren’s future at club
Manchester United could end up playing a key role in Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren's future, because AS Roma will go after the Croatian if they are unable to sign Chris Smalling. That's according to a report in Gazzetta dello Sport, which claims Smalling is Roma's first choice due to his impressive loan spell this season.
Smalling has performed like a man transformed during his time in Serie A.
The centre-back had fallen out of favour in Manchester, and was offered an escape route by Roma last summer as Harry Maguire arrived to fill his spot in the team.
The move took many by surprise, but Smalling has gone on to become one of the standout performers for Paulo Fonseca's side.
The Roma boss has made no secret of his desire to keep the United loanee at the club next season, but it appears financial restrictions could prevent a deal.
Man Utd transfer news: Red Devils could impact Liverpool outcast's future (Image: GETTY)
Now, however, the Serie A side are making contingency plans in case they are unable to sign the Englishman.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Roma will try to sign Liverpool outcast Lovren in the summer window if talks for Smalling break down.
Lovren is expected to leave the club this summer having fallen out of favour with Jurgen Klopp.
The Croatian defender is about to enter into the final 12 months of his contract at Anfield, and there are no suggestions he will be offered an extension.
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The Reds are expected to offload multiple fringe-level players in the upcoming window in order to make way for big-name arrivals.
Lovren could well be one of them, with the defender tipped to explore other options with a starting spot unlikely at the Premier League leaders.
Last week, the centre-back discussed his future and his lack of playing time, saying he can understand why Klopp has kept him out of the team.
"It has been a test for me," Lovren admitted. "But in these moments, I think you should stick with the team even more, to show your quality even if you are not on the pitch with the first XI.