Barcelona’s hijacking of Roma’s summer swoop for Brazilian forward Malcom has reportedly forced them to move quickly and head off interest in Italy’s Domenico Berardi.

Berardi, 24, has scored an impressive 60 goals in 182 Serie A run-outs for Sassuolo. Such form has not gone unnoticed elsewhere, with both aforementioned sides keen admirers.

SPORT have stated that painful memories of the former’s actions in July to derail the latter’s transfer of Bordeaux’s Malcom remain. To ensure Roma get their man this time, director of football Monchi has opened informal discussions with Berardi’s advisers.

Berardi has one cap for the Azzurri and was an unused substitute during Friday’s 1-1 draw with Poland in the Nations League.