Ranieri front-runner for Roma post

Former Juventus and Chelsea manager Claudio Ranieri has emerged as the front runner to takeover at Roma after former manager Luciano Spalletti offered his resignation on Tuesday.

Spalletti led the Giallorossi to back-to-back second place finishes in Serie A in 2006/07 and 2007/08 but paid the price for a below par campaign last season.

After a dismal start the Italian managed to steer the club to a 6th placed finish but ultimately missed out on a UEFA Champions League place.

Spalletti decided to call it a day after seeing his side slip to the bottom of the table after losing their opening two games of this season.

Rumours have surfaced that the club from the capital have moved quick to replace the man at the helm with former Juventus boss Ranieri.

However, complications have arisen with the fact that the former Chelsea boss is still under contract with the Turin giants after being sacked with two games of last season remaining.

Ranieri is said to be in talks with Roma regarding his backroom staff but the manager’s lawyer, Mattia Grassani, warned that negotiations were still a long way off.

“For the moment there isn’t the agreement with Roma,” Grassani said.

“There are a few things to clear and are necessary for there to be a few sacrifices from both sides.

“Ranieri is tranquil and he waits the developments of the situation.”