Herminio Menendez, Baptista's agent, said: "The figure offered by Roma is £9 million, but the Spanish leadership believe the bid inadequate.

"Baptista, for his part, has already given the go-ahead to transfer to Italy, but no representative from the Giallorossa club has spoken directly with us.

"On this basis and with the will of Roma, the signing of Julio could be complete in a very short time."