Roma are still hoping to sign Holland midfielder Edgar Davids from Juventus.

A possible transfer had been the subject of on-off discussions between the clubs all summer – and appeared to have been scuppered by the close of international transfer deadline last Saturday night.

The Italian league, however, mindful that Serie A will not now start until September 14/15 then untilaterally decided to reopen transfer dealings for a further week.

Roma president Franco Sensi then renewed his bid for Davids. Coach Fabio Capello has made no secret of his disappointment at Sensi’s failure to seal a deal during the summer.

I understand Roma general manager Franco Baldini has increased his club’s offer to œ13.5million.

Previously, Roma had tried to tempt Juve with a part-exchange offer involving promising striker Gaetano D’Agostino and defender Maurizio Lanzaro.
By Keir Radnedge