Tottenham Hotspur target Nicolo Zaniolo may find the opportunity to work under an Italian manager appealing, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.
Spurs have already made several additions to Antonio Conte’s first-team squad, and the highly-regarded tactician could look to secure the services of his compatriot in what remains of the summer window.
Back in May, Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport revealed that Zaniolo’s preference would be to stay at Roma next season, although a new contract may have to be agreed for that to happen.
The Italy international only has two years remaining on his existing £75,000-per-week deal and could be approaching a crossroads in his career.
It’s claimed that the Giallorossi would only accept an offer in the region of €70 million (£60m) for Zaniolo, although they could be forced into sanctioning his sale if he refuses to put pen to paper on fresh terms.
Meanwhile, Sky Sports Italy journalist Angelo Mangiante has revealed that the north London outfit are ‘interested’ in bringing the talented attacker to Hotspur Way.
And Mangiante has also disclosed that Tottenham’s director of football Fabio Paratici has met Roma’s general manager Tiago Pinto for initial talks, opening the door to a potentially imminent exit.
Paratici and Conte have successfully raided their homeland for Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski already, bringing in the duo from Juventus.
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And O’Rourke believes Zaniolo could find the Italian connection enticing if Tottenham firm up their interest with a concrete offer.
He told GiveMeSport: “I’m sure Roma would like to keep hold of him, but I’m sure if Zaniolo wants to move to the Premier League, the
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Sporting
Juventus
Antonio Conte
Fabio Paratici
Dejan Kulusevski
Darwin Núñez
Pete Orourke