AS Roma set their sights on signing Liverpool defender

AS Roma are looking to land the signature of Dejan Lovren from Liverpool this summer after being priced out of a permanent deal for Manchester United defender Chris Smalling.

Smalling joined the club on a season-long loan at the beginning of the season and he has since impressed at the heart of the defence where he has made nearly 30 appearances.

While Roma would prefer to sign him permanently, a deal remains far from happening at the moment with the Red Devils wanting at least £25m to sanction the defender's sale.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the Giallorossi are likely to end their pursuit of Smalling due to the price tag and they could thereafter shift their focus to signing Lovren.

Lovren's deal at Anfield expires at the end of the season and the Serie A outfit will aim to recruit him on a cut-price deal, given they have a good working relationship with the Reds.

The Croatian has made only 14 appearances for the European champions this term.