Roma step up Nahuel Molina pursuit as Givairo Read transfer stalls

Roma are accelerating their pursuit of Atlético Madrid defender Nahuel Molina as uncertainty continues to surround a proposed move for Feyenoord right-back Givairo Read.

Negotiations between Roma and Feyenoord have reached a standstill after the Eredivisie club rejected an improved offer for the highly-rated Dutch defender, forcing the Serie A side to actively explore alternative options.

Transfer specialists Gianluca Di Marzio and Matteo Moretto report that Roma have already submitted an offer to Atlético Madrid for Molina as the club looks to strengthen Gian Piero Gasperini's squad before the transfer window closes.

Roma remain interested in signing Read but are becoming increasingly concerned that an agreement with Feyenoord cannot be reached.

The Dutch club have held firm throughout negotiations and recently turned down another improved proposal from the Italian outfit.

Roma's latest offer is understood to have been worth €25 million plus €3m in bonuses, but Feyenoord continue to demand a higher fee before sanctioning the defender's departure.

With negotiations at an impasse, Roma have decided not to rely solely on one target.

The Giallorossi have now made their move for Molina, submitting an offer believed to be worth between €15 million and €17m to Atlético Madrid.

The Argentina international, who is under contract until 2027, represents a more affordable option than Read and has quickly become a genuine alternative should talks with Feyenoord collapse.

According to the reports, Roma are currently making stronger progress in negotiations with Atlético than they are with the Dutch club.

The coming hours are expected to prove decisive for Read's future.

While the defender is still keen on a move to the Italian capital, his representatives now face the difficult challenge of convincing Feyenoord to soften their negotiating stance.

However, expectations of a breakthrough remain low unless the Eredivisie club reduce their asking price.

As things stand, Roma appear unwilling to significantly increase their offer after already improving their proposal.

Roma's pursuit of Molina could also have implications elsewhere in the transfer market.

Everton have been credited with interest in the experienced full-back in recent weeks, with David Moyes reportedly identifying the 28-year-old as a defensive target.

Should Roma reach an agreement with Atlético Madrid first, Everton's hopes of signing Molina would almost certainly come to an end.

Key points

Roma now face an important decision over how to allocate their transfer budget.

If Feyenoord continue to reject their offers for Read, attention is expected to shift fully towards completing a deal for Molina. However, should the Dutch club soften their demands, Roma could yet revive negotiations for their preferred right-back target before the transfer deadline.