Serie A side want to replace Chelsea flop with Manchester United outcast

Depay has endured two difficult seasons at Manchester United since signing from PSV Eindhoven for £25million in July 2015. 

The Holland winger arrived touted as the next Cristiano Ronaldo, but toiled under Louis van Gaal last term.

He has since fallen further down the pecking order following the arrival of Jose Mourinho as manager in the summer. 

And Italian website Calcio Mercato claim Roma are desperate to rescue Depay from his Old Trafford hell in January. 

Manager Luciano Spalletti wants the winger to bolster their hopes of a first league title since 2001.

It is said that the United outcast could replace Chelsea flop Mohamed Salah, who will represent Egypt at the African Cup of Nations next month. 

Salah signed for Chelsea in January 2014 but struggled to break into the first-team and was sent out on loan to Fiorentina and Roma before completing a permanent move to Stadio Olimpico in the summer.

Roma are keen on a loan deal rather than a permanent transfer given Depay's miserable time in English football. 

If he performs well, then the Serie A side would be interested in signing him permanently at the end of the season. 

Depay has scored just seven goals for United from 53 appearances.

The 22-year-old last featured in the club's 4-0 Europa League win over Feyenoord on December 24.

Mourinho admitted yesterday that he is open to letting players leave next month. 

"I am always open to listen to offers for every player," Mourinho said.

"Any player who knocks on my door and is not happy and wants to move, when the offers are correct, I will never stop a player from leaving, even if it is to a rival."

As well as Roma, Everton are also thought to be in the running for his signature.