[Jager]

Julio Cruz could be the Giallorossi’s new centre-forward after his agent confirmed talks were in progress, but their injury woes continue.


“We do know of Roma’s interest,” announced representative Jorge Cyterszipilar, “and there has already been some official contact with Inter.”


The Capital club is desperate for a new striker after John Carew’s return to Valencia and the precarious fitness of both Marco Delvecchio and Vincenzo Montella.


Although Parma’s Alberto Gilardino remains the number one choice, Julio Ricardo Cruz would be more affordable and eligible for the Champions’ League, as he did not play against Basel.


“Despite the fact he is happy at Inter,” added the former Bologna man’s agent, “Julio wants to have more first team football and Roma are a very big club. We will wait and see what happens, but there is already good progress in negotiations.”


It is becoming an increasingly pressing problem for the Giallorossi, as Francesco Totti and Antonio Cassano have barely set foot on the field all summer.


The captain is suffering from a sprained knee, while Cassano has not played at all since Euro 2004 with a series of niggling injuries.


“I am satisfied with the work we are doing,” said Coach Cesare Prandelli on his 47th birthday, “above all on the transfer market. Philippe Mexes, Matteo Ferrari and Simone Perrotta are three very important buys and there is still time for the fourth arrival.”


Roma will present their new-look squad to the fans at the Stadio Olimpico on August 29 with a friendly game against the Iranian national side.