AS Roma sports chief Walter Sabatini is confident Daniele de Rossi will sign a new contract.

Although linked with a Bosman exit next summer, Sabatini is confident that the Roman will remain with his hometown club.

"He really wants to continue playing his football here, that is his strong desire," Sabatini said after Sunday's 1-0 win over Palermo. "That wish corresponds with ours.

"An agreement, even if that will require some real hard work on our part, will arrive. There is a very high possibility that De Rossi will sign."