Villarreal's Nilmar: 'I would be happy to play for Roma'

Villarreal striker Nilmar has said he would be delighted to play for Roma, and admits the clubs are in talks over a €16 million transfer.

Last week Italian director Walter Sabatini said the 27-year-old Brazilian was an excellent player, but added there was a distance between the two clubs regarding an agreement.

Initial reports had suggested a €14m bid from Roma was not seen as satisfactory by the Spanish outfit, leading to speculation Sabatini was trying to sweeten the deal by offering €16m.

And while the clubs continue to negotiate, Nilmar has expressed his desire to play in Serie A.

"I know Roma and Villarreal are talking and I would be very happy to come to the Italian capital to play football. Roma are a great club and I would be playing alongside players like Francesco Totti and Daniele De Rossi."

The Italian club is looking at Nilmar as a replacement for Mirko Vucinic who recently joined Juventus.