Roma have confirmed they did hold talks with Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech in January.
The Moroccan ended up staying with the Blues after a move to Paris Saint-Germain progressed, only for it to collapse on the deadline due to paperwork issues.
It could prove to be a case of what might have been for the 29-year-old with Roma sporting director Tiago Pinto admitting his sympathy for Ziyech’s situation.
“It's true that we spoke to Ziyech’s agents and Chelsea about him, he was one of our targets,” he told reporters.
“I'm sorry for what happened to him, it was difficult for him, but those who say we were in contact with Ziyech's agents were right.”
Chelsea’s Ziyech was targeted as Roma looked to sell Nicolo Zaniolo, the Galatasaray-bound winger who refused to play as he pushed for a transfer away.
Pinto said: “If someone thinks that he left due to the lack of contract offer then they are totally wrong.
“Nicolo was loved like few players - the moment he refuses to wear the Roma shirt it goes beyond any discussion about a renewal.”
