Parma hopeful of Panucci deal

Parma are hopeful of signing full-back Christian Panucci as a free agent.

The recently-promoted Serie A club are in talks with the 36-year-old former Italy international.

"We are in negotiations with Panucci," said Parma president Tommaso Ghirardi. "The player will return from holiday on Sunday and we will have further talks with him.

"We consider him a champion but we have to wait and see if the negotiations will prove successful."

Panucci was not offered a contract extension with Roma, the club he has played for since 2001.

He made 20 league starts for the Eternal City outfit last season but fell out with coach Luciano Spalletti his over lack of playing time.