Roma boss Luciano Spalletti has confirmed that he hopes to sign Barcelona defender Thomas Vermaelen.
Vermaelen, 30, joined Barca from Arsenal in 2014 but has struggled with injuries throughout his time at the Camp Nou.
Spalletti said Roma sporting director Walter Sabatini has opened talks with Barca over the Belgium international, but no agreement has yet been reached.
"Walter is working on this deal, although for now we cannot say that it is done," he told Sky Sport.
He added: "Vermaelen is a player with experience and quality. He can build the play from the back and has great character.
"These players are used to playing important European matches."
Roma added to their defensive options with the loan signing of Federico Fazio from Tottenham Hotspur this week.