Panucci caused uproar at the club when he refused to sit on the bench for last week’s 3-0 win over Napoli, but time is running out for him to find an alternative squad and the Giallorossi to replace the defender.

“The squad wants Panucci to stay,” assured teammate Pizarro. “If he were to leave, we would be losing a very important player and one who is difficult to replace.

“The players as a whole want Panucci to wear the Giallorossi jersey. He is a professional and we could really use his support until the end of the season.”

The split with Coach Luciano Spalletti seems pretty final and Panucci is reportedly rejecting an offer from Torino to go overseas in Ligue 1 or La Liga.

Meanwhile, Roma have a race against time to get a replacement and register him for the Champions League, as the squad list must be handed in this weekend.

Negotiations for Udinese full-back Motta are at an advanced stage, but the two sides are haggling over the price.

Roma are willing to pay for the six-month loan before completing the signature at the end of the season.

Udinese are demanding £300,000 for the loan and another £3m to buy up half his contract come June.

The Giallorossi consider that figure excessive and could therefore turn their attention to Chievo man Frey.

He is the younger brother of Fiorentina goalkeeper Sebastien Frey and can play in defence or midfield.