Tottenham: Conte and Paratici 'pushing' for 8th summer deal at Hotspur Way

Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte and director of football Fabio Paratici are both “pushing” to try and get a deal for AS Roma and Italy attacker Nicolò Zaniolo over the line this summer, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

It had been reported earlier this month that Spurs were hoping to sign the 23-year-old on a season-long loan with an obligation buy for £33.8m, if the Italian plays more than 50% of games for the club this season and the north London side qualify for next season’s Champions League.

According to 90min, Roma and former Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho is trying to block the Premier League side’s move for Zaniolo this summer.

The same report suggests that Paratici is still in contact with the Serie A club over a possible move for the Europa Conference League winner, but Mourinho would like the attack minded player to remain at the Stadio Olimpico this season.

90min also state that Roma remain open to selling the nine-time Italy international if their valuation of around £42m is met by a buying club this season, but the potential of a loan-move with the obligation to buy seems to be unlikely as of now.

And O’Rourke believes that both Conte and Paratici are pushing to ensure that Zaniolo is playing his football at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next season.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “Yeah, obviously [the Italian connection with Conte and Paratici] will play a big part in his decision.

“If he wants to move to Spurs there’s the whole Italian connection.

“Fabio Paratici and Antonio Conte are both there, they’re both pushing to get this deal done as well.”

On the face of it, it looks as if Zaniolo would be a smart addition for Conte’s side this season, especially with the Italian manager having to balance