Roma's board see De Rossi as the only viable candidate to succeed Francesco Totti as club captain and for that reason have agreed to table a new contract offer higher than the current wage ceiling. The decision has been made with the approval of Roma's senior player leadership group.
Meanwhile, Roma executive director Rosella Sensi insists there's no chance of Inter Milan prising Alberto Aquilani away from the capital club: "For as long as my family control Roma, Totti and Aquilani will not be sold."