Roma are set to turn their attentions to Thiago Neves after being given no encouragement in their pursuit of Antonio Di Natale and Adrian Mutu.

Luciano Spalletti’s first choice for a new striker was Udinese ace Di Natale, but he was told to forget his interest in the Italian international and likewise when he asked Fiorentina about the possible availability of Romanian star Mutu.

It is believed the Serie A runners-up have now turned their attention to 23-year-old Fluminense ace Neves, who is being billed as the next big thing in Brazilian football and is set to star for his country at the forthcoming Olympic Games in Beijing. 

“Thiago Neves’ dream has always been to play in Italy,” agent Leo Rabello told Romanews.eu. “I have read that there is interest from Roma and it would be a very satisfying outcome for my client. But for the moment I haven’t had any contact with the Giallorossi directors.

“Neves is the biggest talent that there is in Brazil at the moment. He is a deep-lying forward who is scoring lots and he would cost around £10million.”