Tottenham Hotspur-linked centre-back Roger Ibanez is reportedly certain to leave Italian giants Roma in the upcoming transfer window.
The 24-year-old has been a mainstay of Jose Mourinho's backline since leaving Atalanta BC on a permanent deal in 2021 and scored three goals in 48 matches during the 2022-23 season.
With Ibanez, Chris Smalling and Gianluca Mancini often forming a solid three-man defence, Roma reached the Europa League final after clinching Europa Conference League glory last year, but they failed to make it back-to-back continental titles as Sevilla prevailed in a tense penalty shootout.
Despite his status as a key cog in the Roma defence, Ibanez only has two years left to run on his contract and has been linked with a move away in the current transfer window.
Tottenham are thought to be lining up an approach for the Brazil international, and the Lilywhites have apparently been handed a significant boost in their efforts to strike a deal.
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According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Ibanez will soon head for the exit door at the Stadio Olimpico and has already packed his bags in anticipation of a move away.
Due to a Financial Fair Play agreement with UEFA, Roma must apparently try to offload Ibanez by the end of the month, and a fee of €30m (£25.8m) should do the trick.
As a result, Tottenham can expect to wrap up a deal for Ibanez relatively quickly should they approach Roma within the coming days, as the Brazilian prepares to end his successful time at Stadio Olimpico.
The former Fluminense youngster initially joined Roma on an 18-month loan from Atalanta BC in January 2020, and the Giallorossi signed him permanently for just €9m (£7.7m) in the summer of 2021.
Ibanez has since produced nine goals and two assists from 149 matches in Roma colours, starting 32 Serie A games in the 2022-23 season, albeit while collecting 14 yellow cards and being sent off once in all tournaments.
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Having now officially taken charge of Tottenham on a four-year contract, head coach Ange Postecoglou is reportedly planning to oversee a mass clearout, and several fringe defenders could be among those axed.
Joe Rodon, Japhet Tanganga and Davinson Sanchez do not appear to have long-term futures at Tottenham, while Eric Dier could be allowed to leave when his deal expires in 2024.
Clement Lenglet is also due to return to Barcelona when his loan deal expires at the end of the month, although Spurs are said to be mulling over a permanent move for the Frenchman.
Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi and Leeds United's Robin Koch are thought to be alternative defensive targets for Tottenham, who are also working on a deal to sign Brentford goalkeeper David Raya.
Ben Knapton
