Dacourt reaches Roma agreement
Thursday, January 9, 2003
Article summary
AS Roma have signed Leeds United AFC's unsettled French midfield player Olivier Dacourt.
Article body
Permanent deal
Dacourt has moved to the Olimpico stadium on loan until June, when the Giallorossi will have the option of completing a reported €6.4m move for the former RC Strasbourg, Everton FC and RC Lens player.
Lengthy negotiations
The 28-year-old settled personal terms with Roma a week ago but it was only last night that the two clubs agreed on the transfer fee to be paid in the event of a permanent deal. The player underwent medicals this morning in Rome and signed a provisional contract until 2006.
Longstanding desire
Roma coach Fabio Capello has been looking for a midfield player since last summer when negotiations with Juventus FC over the transfer of Dutch international Edgar Davids collapsed.
Disappointing start
Roma have made a disappointing start to the season and are currently eighth in Serie A, ten points behind leaders AC Milan and Internazionale FC. The Giallorossi have also lost their first two matches in the UEFA Champions League second group stage, against Arsenal FC and AFC Ajax.
Out of contention
Dacourt will be ineligible for the latter competition, having played for Leeds in the UEFA Cup this term. The Frenchman appeared in the games against Ukrainian side FC Metalurh Zaporizhya and Israeli outfit Hapoel Tel-Aviv FC.
