Zaniolo to knock back Liverpool, Tottenham interest after shock Roma U-turn

Nicolo Zaniolo TEAMtalk

Promising midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo is set to sign a new deal with Roma, dashing Liverpool and Tottenham’s hopes of signing him this summer. 

The 21-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League ahead of next season.

Liverpool were seen as the favourites to sign him at one stage, with Klopp looking to add to his midfield options.

However their interest seems to have cooled, with the Reds’ attention turning to Thiago Alcantara.

Spurs, meanwhile, have reportedly been preparing to launch a bid for the young Italian. Jose Mourinho is said to be a fan of Zaniolo and is ready to press ahead with €50million bid.

It appeared likely he would be on his way out of Roma too. The Serie A side are understood to be struggling financially, and the sale of Zaniolo would have raised crucial funds.

What’s more, there has been reports of the player falling out with coach Paulo Fonseca. He was initially left out of the squad to play SPAL on Wednesday, but was included in the end after Cengiz Under picked up a thigh strain.

But in a surprise development, Zaniolo is now set to sign a new deal at the Stadio Olimpico. That is according to a report on Corriere dello Sport, cited on the Evening Standard.

 

They say that despite his current terms running until 2024, the ‘Giallorossi’ will offer a “new bumper contract.” Zaniolo will asee his wages of around £50,000-per-week significantly increase.

A RISING STAR

Since moving to Roma in 2018, Zaniolo has established himself as one of the hottest young properties in Europe.

He’s scored 14 goals in 65 senior appearances, with eight of those coming in the current campaign. That is despite suffering a knee ligament injury in January.

He’s also scored two goals in five appearances for Italy since making his debut in March 2019.

Keeping him is quite a boost for Roma, particularly after they missed out in Champions League qualification.