Real Madrid sporting director Predrag Mijatovic has confirmed that he has recently returned from a trip to Rome, fuelling speculation that the Spanish champions are lining up bids for Roma duo Alberto Aquilani and Daniele de Rossi.Spanish sport daily Marca reported that when questioned about his recent absence, Mijatovic replied cryptically: "Yes, I have been in Rome."
The Montenegrin then proceeded to conduct a lengthy meeting with head coach Bernd Schuster and marketing director Jose Angel Sanchez at the Spanish champions' Valdebebas training complex.
Midfield duo Aquilani and de Rossi are both Italy internationals, and are key men for the Giallorossi, who are currently second in Serie A and have reduced the gap behind leaders Internazionale to just four points.
The duo, both 23, came up through the Roma youth ranks together, and have both scored three goals this season.
Aquilani's agent Fraco Zavagli was quick to make it clear that any potential deal was still a long way off, saying: "At the moment it seems best not to talk about this situation.
"From what I know, Real's sporting director Pedja Mijatovic can only have come to watch games. I can't say any more than that.
"Just because Marca say something doesn't mean that it is true and I can safely say that the player wants to stay at Roma."
