Massara: ‘Roma satisfied with Ferguson, premature to discuss Zirkzee’

Roma director Ricky Massara insists it is ‘premature’ to talk about Evan Ferguson’s future at the club and shrugs off questions about Joshua Zirkzee talks with Manchester United.

The game with Como kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 19.45 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the Liveblog.

The Giallorossi need a boost after back-to-back Serie A defeats to Napoli and Cagliari, as a win here would see them close the gap on the leading group.

However, Como are just three points behind them, so a loss would allow Cesc Fabregas to catch them in joint fourth place.

Surprisingly, the Lariani appear to be using Nico Paz as a False 9 with Alvaro Morata out injured.

“It is not just Nico Paz, they have a lot of talent upfront and it is a dangerous game, as they already showed their quality and entertaining style of football,” Massara told Sky Sport Italia.

Ferguson gets the nod upfront after scoring two goals in Thursday’s 3-0 Europa League victory over Celtic in Glasgow, so does this change Roma’s idea about buying him outright from Brighton and Hove Albion for the €38m clause?

“It is very premature to talk about this. We are happy that Evan is doing well, he is getting back to the levels that we knew. He was stalled by a few fitness issues, so he needs consistency, he did very well on Thursday and we hope he’ll repeat that performance this evening.”

There were also rumours that Roma were ready to send Ferguson back to Brighton midway through the loan spell in January.

“As I said, we are satisfied with what he is starting to do, and all this speculation certainly didn’t come from us. It is opportune to focus on the current games.”

Massara was asked about the recent trips to London, which it was assumed were for negotiations with Manchester United and striker Zirkzee.

“We have three games yet to play, so it’s premature to talk about the January transfer market too. The trips to Britain were for the important games against Rangers and Celtic,” insisted Massara.

Former coach Claudio Ranieri has become a director this season, so how does it feel talking strategy with Ranieri and Gian Piero Gasperini?

“It’s fantastic, because when we sit around the table, there are circa 2,000 matches behind them. They are two wonderful characters who achieved magnificent things in their career and are continuing to do so, I realise that I am in a privileged position.”