Emerson Palmieri insists he plans to stay at Roma despite being ‘flattered’ by interest from Liverpool. Reds boss Jurgen Klopp is said to have expressed interest in the 23-year-old as he eyes up defensive reinforcements ahead of the January transfer window. Palmieri has become a key player for Serie A outfit Roma since 2015 and earned an international call-up by Italy after switching allegiance from Brazil earlier in the year.

But despite being linked with Premier League giants Liverpool and Italian club Inter Milan, the left-back says he is ‘happy’ at Roma and has his sights set on a title triumph. ‘I have heard that clubs such as Inter Milan and Liverpool are seeking to sign me,’ he said.

‘But I am under contract with Roma. I am flattered by stories such as these. ‘However, I want to stay here in Rome. I am happy here. ‘Roma have a great squad, with everyone good enough to start matches. There are so many close-fought games, and it is vital for us to have a well-stocked squad. ‘We can compete till the very end for the title. I’m not yet 100 per cent fit, but I am working to get there. I want to play, but the manager will decide if I am ready or not.’

Palmieri started his professional career at Santos but was signed by Roma in 2015. After 13 league games of the 2017-18 season, Roma are fourth in Serie A, seven points behind leaders Napoli with a game in hand.