Roma 'to turn attention to Barcelona defender Hector Bellerin'

Roma have reportedly identified Barcelona defender Hector Bellerin as a potential transfer target for January.

After stints with Arsenal and Real Betis, the right-back made his return to his boyhood club in the summer to provide cover in that area of the pitch.

The 27-year-old has failed to emerge as a regular option for Xavi, making a total of three starts and two substitute appearances in La Liga and the Champions League.

One of the Spaniard's three starts came in a European dead-rubber at Viktoria Plzen, and it has been suggested that he may be allowed to depart Camp Nou at the turn of the year.

However, Bellerin has recently stated that his target is to remain at the La Liga leaders, telling Catalunya Radio: "I want to renew with Barca. It was very nice to return home. At the moment I have signed a one-year contract and we are waiting to see how everything goes for both parties.

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"Renewing is something that does not depend on me, but I am very happy at Barca."

Nevertheless, it appears that both Barcelona and Bellerin will have options on the table in January, something which may appeal to the former after their early exit from the Champions League.

According to Calciomercato, Roma are monitoring the situation as Jose Mourinho seemingly focuses his attention on signing a new right-back.

Earlier this week, the Portuguese claimed that one of the 16 players who featured in the 1-1 draw at Sassuolo would be 'looking for a new team in January'.

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Despite refusing to name the player, it has been widely reported to be Rick Karsdorp, who contributed to Sassuolo's equaliser, and Roma may be in need of a new option at right wing-back.

With Diogo Dalot no longer available having established himself at Manchester United, Bellerin is now said to be on Roma and Mourinho's radar.

As a result of Bellerin having less than a year on his contract, Roma will be in a position to hold discussions regarding a pre-contract agreement in January.

However, it is suggested that negotiations over a mid-season transfer are more likely with Mourinho requiring competition for Zeki Celik.

Roma currently sit in seventh position in the Serie A standings, two points adrift of Juventus who have recently moved into the top four.