The puzzle over the future of Francesco Totti continues to dominate events at Roma.
 

President James Pallotta has been clear the club will not renew his contract in the summer; therefore his only role left at the giallorossi would seem to be in an executive capacity. There has however, been a frenzy of activity around the world from intermediaries, and proposals seem to be arriving on a daily basis.

The first to come forward were the New York Cosmos, then Claudio Ranieri’s Leicester City. There is also strong interest from Japan and most recently, the United Arab Emirates; with two clubs in particular, Al Ahli and Al-Jazira prepared to offer the 39-year-old another escape route. Japan has been following the Italian legend for many years and Totti is considered to be a bigger star in the Far-East than Roberto Baggio. But the player himself loves the US, and with the Cosmos and New York Red Bulls seeking more information, well, who knows…  

The Premier League is also a fascination for Totti and contact from fellow Roman Ranieri at Leicester City is certainly a viable option; with a chance to play in next season’s Champions League coming as part of the deal.
 

Before any final decision is made, Il Capitano will in all probability, wait until a final meeting with Pallotta scheduled for May. There seems to be only one way to prevent the break-up of this love affair, and that is to offer him a year’s extension with a view to a possible loan out in the United States, before heading back to the Italian capital in an executive role.


Steve Mitchell @barafundler