{"id":577499,"date":"2021-01-05T13:35:19","date_gmt":"2021-01-05T18:35:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/?p=577499"},"modified":"2021-01-05T13:35:19","modified_gmt":"2021-01-05T18:35:19","slug":"as-roma-open-talks-with-the-representatives-of-lille-defender-mehmet-zeki-celik","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2021\/01\/05\/as-roma-open-talks-with-the-representatives-of-lille-defender-mehmet-zeki-celik\/","title":{"rendered":"AS Roma Open Talks With the Representatives of Lille Defender Mehmet Zeki Celik"},"content":{"rendered":"

AS Roma<\/a> have opened talks with the representatives of Lille<\/a> defender Mehmet Zeki Celik,<\/a> according to Fabrizio Romano<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Serie A<\/a> side are looking to improve their defensive options in this transfer window<\/a> and have targeted Lille\u2019s talented Turkish right-back.<\/p>\n

Celik is Roma\u2019s other target, with a move for FC Dallas<\/a> defender Bryan Reynolds<\/a> stalling with interest elsewhere.<\/p>\n

According to Romano, Roma will face competition for the Lille full-back with Everton<\/a> also interested after speaking to his representatives a few weeks ago.<\/p>\n

Roma Open Talks Over Lille Defender Mehmet Zeki Celik<\/h2>\n

Zeki Celik Has Been a Staple in the Lille Side<\/h3>\n

Roma are hoping to boost their right-back options in this transfer window. Bruno Peres,<\/a> brought from the cold, has been the main man this season but options after that have been limited. Zeki Celik has impressed at Lille since making his debut in 2018.<\/p>\n

Celik has played 13 times in Ligue 1<\/a> this season and has also featured for the French side in the Europa League. He is a right-back who loves both aspects of the game. He is a pacey full-back who is a hard worker, both offensively and defensively.<\/p>\n

Celik has one goal and one assist this season and would certainly be an excellent signing for Paulo Fonseca\u2019s team. His side sit third in Serie A as they look to ensure they secure a place in next season\u2019s Champions League<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Roma have made the first move but do face competition from other sides for the Turkish international. Several other sides including Everton are also interested in the full-back<\/p>\n

Celik Seen as Alternative Option to FC Dallas Defender Bryan Reynolds<\/h3>\n

Talks are underway with Celik\u2019s representatives as Roma look to make their move. However, they seemed to have moved on from prime target, Bryan Reynolds.<\/p>\n

Talks between the two clubs have stalled and now other sides are showing an interest in the defender. Juventus<\/a> are believed to be one of those while Belgian side Club Brugge<\/a> also hold an interest.<\/p>\n

It appears the primary objective in this transfer window is to sign a right-back and Roma have plenty of irons in the fire as they look to address that position.<\/p>\n

Main Photo<\/p>\n

Embed from Getty Images<\/a>