Roma now see Dejan Lovren as a stronger alternative to Chris Smalling, according to Corriere dello Sport, via the Daily Star.
The Liverpool centre-back could depart Anfield this summer, following six seasons at the club.
Roma have reportedly been eyeing up deals for both Smalling and Lovren, with the Manchester United man currently on loan at the Serie A club.
The Croatian is considered the cheaper option, however, and the report states than the Giallorossi have all but ended their interest in Smalling.
The report states that this decision could also improve Arsenal’s chances of signing Smalling, as the Gunners look for defensive reinforcements of their own.
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I think this is good news from a Liverpool point of view, with the Reds likely to benefit from selling Lovren this summer.
The 30-year-old may have been a solid servant, but this is the time to move him on, earning a fee for him instead of losing him on a free transfer next year.
Roma could be an ideal destination for Lovren, with Serie A not quite as fast and physical as the Premier League. Pace is one of his shortcomings, as is a penchant for getting bullied by opposition strikers, as proven by Watford’s Troy Deeney recently.
With Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip all strong options for Jurgen Klopp, having a less experienced fourth-choice centre-back shouldn’t be an issue, whether it be an incoming star such as Ben White, or Reds youngster Ki-Jana Hoever.
White is believed to have caught the eye hugely this season, with a report from Football Insider claiming Liverpool scouts have been ‘raving’ about him.
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