Roma are searching for a new Sporting Director to replace the outgoing Walter Sabatini. According to Corriere dello Sport, former director Franco Baldini will be responsible for choosing his successor and the journal reports that the three names that top the shortlist all currently work in Spain.
 

Andrea Berta of Atletico Madrid, Ramón Rodríguez Verdejo or Monchi as he is more commonly known from Sevilla and Ariedo Braida formerly of Milan now with Barcelona, are the men in the frame. Another candidate that will be considered is believed to be another former Roma director Umberto Gandini.  

Sabatini has been in the Italian capital since 2011 when he was hired by new President James Pallotta. His spell at the giallorossi has seen the likes of Erik Lamela, Marquinhos, Radja Nainggloan and Medhi Benatia all arrive at the club but he has been heavily criticised for more recent acquisitions and his future in the Eternal City looks to be coming to an end. His absence from Sunday’s 2-1 home win over Inter confirmed the speculation that he will move to pastures new ahead of the January transfer window.


Steve Mitchell @barafundler