ROMA ARE CLOSELY monitoring the situation of Glen Johnson at Liverpool, with the defender keen to leave his current club in the January transfer window.

The England right-back is free to speak to other clubs when the transfer window reopens as his contract at Anfield expires at the end of the season.

Roma are keen to take advantage of the uncertainty surrounding Johnson’s future in January and could push for a cut-price deal, with their hand strengthened by the defender’s dwindling contract.

Johnson was told in October that he could find a new club and he recently admitted that no talks with Liverpool have taken place over a possible extension to his current deal.

“First and foremost, I want to play for a club that wants me,” Johnson said. “At the moment, I have seen some stuff in the press that I have been offered half the money I am on. That’s not true. I haven’t been offered anything.

“We aren’t speaking at the moment. I want to play my football. Time goes very quick. I have enjoyed my time here, the majority of the six years.

“There have been some good times, some bad times. I have enjoyed my football but if I haven’t got a contract, I can’t stay. It plays on your mind but that is where you have to try and be professional and do your best for the team. I respect my team-mates more than anyone.”

Galatasaray have also been keeping a close eye on developments, but Johnson’s £120,000-a-week wages may represent something of a stumbling block for any interested parties.

By Manuele Baiocchini, Goal.com