Mexes the next giallorosso

Auxerre boss Guy Roux has revealed that Philippe Mexes is snubbing Manchester United in order to try and secure a move to Roma.
The promising centre back has been a long-standing target for Sir Alex Ferguson for many years but the Frenchman prefers a switch to Stadio Olimpico as he is concerned about his first team prospects at Old Trafford.

Presumably, Mexes was another option to Paris Saint Germain's Gabriel Heinze, who has agreed a five-year contract with Ferguson's men.
"Philippe's agents refused (United's offer)," Roux told L'Equipe.
"They were not sure he would play.

"With Roma, there is still a gap.
"We were 1 to 4 before the start of the meeting. Now we are only 1 to 1.8, so we are on the right track.
"I hope there will be a new meeting.
"Some contact is forecast for this weekend.

"Mr (Franco) Baldini has to talk with his chairman."
Roma's sports director Baldini was negotiating the deal with Auxerre this week.

16 June 2004:

"The Giallorossi have agreed a deal with the player but no fee has been settled between the two clubs.

"We met with Roma’s sporting director Franco Baldini but we couldn’t agree," Auxerre Coach Guy Roux told France Football.

"The Italian offer of £5m is too weak. Roma want Philippe but they have to give us an acceptable price.

"Our first desire is to let the player go where he wants. However, we must not be damaged as Mexes still has two years left on his contract with us."

The capital club have targeted Mexes to replace Walter Samuel after he joined Real Madrid for £15m.

Auxerre want around £10m for the stopper, a figure that Manchester United were prepared to pay for the 22-year-old.

"Man Utd offered us that but the player’s agent refused the move," continued Roux. "It seems he was afraid Philippe would not play there.
"We were close to finding an agreement with the Premiership side."
Meanwhile, Sampdoria have signed Vitalii Kutuzov from Milan. The Belarus striker spent last season on loan with Avellino