Mathieu nears Roma switch

Jeremy Mathieu is reportedly very close to signing for Roma from Toulouse this January. The left-back was linked with the switch as far back as October but it appears Roma are ready to put up the £4.5 million the Ligue 1 side are looking for.

"Being targeted by such a club makes me very happy," Mathieu told AFP back in October.

"I heard about the possibility. But at the moment, I can't say I have had concrete contact with them. I haven't received a phone call from their directors.

"If I receive an offer I will not automatically decline. If Toulouse have not qualified for a European Cup next year, I could consider something else.

"This detail is key. I played European football with Sochaux and I want to experience it again."