Roma have moved ahead of Newcastle United in the race for Maxime Gonalons after agreeing personal terms with the Lyon midfielder.
Gonalons has spent his entire career at Lyon but is ready to leave the French side this summer after refusing to extend his contract as it enters its final year.
A number of clubs are keen to strike a deal for the 28-year-old Frenchman, including AC Milan, Lazio and Newcastle.
However, according to L'Equipe, Roma have steamed ahead of the competition by agreeing personal terms with Gonalons.