MILAN: Sassuolo coach Eusebio Di Francesco moved a step closer to taking over at Roma after the clubs agreed a compensation package, reports on Tuesday said.
Roma have been looking for a new coach since Luciano Spalletti left last week to join fellow Serie A outfit Inter Milan.
But Di Francesco, a former midfielder with Roma, has been a long-time target for the capital club and, according to reports, could be officially appointed on Wednesday.
Last year, Di Franceso extended his Sassuolo contract to 2019 but Sky Sport claim a compensation deal now has been agreed with Roma.
Di Francesco joined Sassuaolo in 2012 and steered them to the 2013 Serie B title.
Although he was sacked in January 2014 following a run of poor results, Di Francesco was brought back just two months later and has since kept Sassuolo in Serie A.
He made 168 appearances for Roma before taking a role as team manager at the club following his playing retirement, before embarking on his coaching career in 2008 with Virtus Lanciano in the Italian third tier.
Roma finished runners-up last season and will play in the Champions League next season.