Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur made ‘more than one’ approach for Serie A star loved by Jose Mourinho

Premier League rivals Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur both made unsuccessful attempts to sign Roma defender Roger Ibanez during the summer transfer window - according to reports in Italy.

The Brazil Under-23 international joined the Giallorossi from Serie A rivals Atalanta in a permanent deal worth around £8.1million last summer after impressing on a season-long loan during the second half of the previous campaign.

Ibanez has impressed during his time at the Stadio Olimpico and his form has forged a notable bond with Roma manager Jose Mourinho.

After landing a maiden call-up to the senior Brazil squad, Ibanez said: “Mourinho’s advice has helped me a lot and he’s one of the reasons I’m here today.

“I played a few games at Roma both as a right and left-back, but obviously it is a different role from the offensive full-back we’re used to.”

“The only thing I have to do is listen to what the coach asks me and if he needs me in that position I will adapt.”

The 23-year-old helped Mourinho’s side secured a sixth place finish in Serie A and was in the Roma side that became the inaugural winners of the UEFA Europa Conference League with a 1-0 win over Feyenoord in May.

Several clubs are believing to be monitoring Ibanez as he continues to impress and one report in Italy has suggested Newcastle and Spurs went one step further than taking a watching brief.

Il Messaggero have reported both Premier League clubs made ‘more than one’ enquiry for the in-form defender during the summer but a £69.7million release clause in his current contract ‘drove them away’.

Ibanez could earn his first senior Brazil cap and feature alongside Magpies midfielder Bruno Guimaraes when the Selecao face friendlies against Ghana and Tunisia in France over the coming days.