Roma set to sign Barcelona target Evan Ndicka | OneFootball

AS Roma have reached an agreement in principle to sign Eintracht Frankfurt defender Evan Ndicka on a free transfer, according to Calciomercato.

Ndicka is poised to leave Frankfurt when his contract runs out this summer, ending his five-year association with the Europa League champions.

The Frenchman has developed into one of the finest young defenders in the German top flight since joining from AJ Auxerre in the summer of 2018.

His performances for Frankfurt have prompted interest from several clubs who have been alerted by his situation at the Deutsche Bank Park.

Spanish giants Barcelona have been closely monitoring his development at the German side and had reportedly reached a verbal agreement to sign the player at the end of the season.

However, Italian giants Roma have now also reportedly reached an agreement with the 23-year-old’s representatives over a free transfer this summer.

Jose Mourinho had identified the player as a perfect signing, with the Portuguese tactician keen to strengthen his backline ahead of next season.

Roger Ibanez has reportedly been linked with a move away from Stadio Olimpico, and Ndicka could replace him, earning a place in Mourinho’s back three alongside Chris Smalling and Gianluca Mancini.

The transfer tug-of-war for Ndicka’s signature is set to be in full force this summer, but Roma have put themselves in a strong position to win the race.

Ndicka is not the only free agent catching the eye of the Giallorossi, who are also in talks to sign Olympique Lyonnais midfielder Houssem Aouar.

The 24-year-old was one step away from joining Frankfurt not long ago, but both parties have failed to finalise negotiations, leaving Roma with a chance to swoop in and snap him up.

Ndicka is not the only player set to leave Frankfurt on a free transfer this summer, with midfielder Daichi Kamada also on his way out of the Deutsche Bank Park.

The Japanese midfielder is a target for Atletico Madrid, AC Milan and Barcelona, who have made it a priority to sign players on a free transfer owing to their precarious financial situation.