Journalist Ben Jacobs has said that AS Roma is considering loaning out Leeds United-linked star Nicolo Zaniolo, with Tottenham Hotspur also interested.
The Lowdown: Leeds make Zaniolo approach
Italian outlet Calciomercato has reported that Jesse Marsch’s side has approached Roma with an enquiry about the player’s services.
The 23-year-old has played 17 times for the Serie A side in all competitions, finding the back of the net twice and assisting on three occasions.
Zaniolo has even been called up to the Italian national squad where he’s been given 11 caps for his nation, his best season in terms of league output for Roma was in the 2019/20 season where he amassed eight goal contributions.
The Latest: Roma would consider loan move
Speaking to the ‘JustJoe Football Show’ on YouTube, Jacobs said that Roma would be open to loaning out the player this month, but they face Premier League competition from Tottenham Hotspur.
He stated (17:04), “The valuation on Zaniolo has dropped somewhere between 30 and 35 million, which might seem like a large outlay, but he’s a risk-reward type signing with a huge amount of potential.
“And then there’s a feeling at the Roma end that they might be open to a loan with either an option or an obligation to buy. Which allows you to bring somebody in and then deal with the situation based upon how he fairs in the Premier League, at least if it’s an option to buy.
“Spurs at the moment are the ones that are more seriously at the table. And the reason for that is because Antonio Conte has looked at Zaniolo for quite some time. And when Tottenham played Roma in a friendly over the summer, they began talks but the price was too high.”
The Verdict: Zaniolo could be out of reach
Whilst the possibility of a loan may be more attractive to Leeds, it would be difficult to land the player with Spurs also sniffing around.
The possibility of playing under Antonio Conte is certainly a more of an enticing opportunity than Jesse Marsch, the Italian has won a Premier League title, the Serie A four times, an FA Cup trophy and two Italian Super Cups.
Another factor that could lure Zaniolo to north London over Yorkshire is the current Premier League standings, Leeds are 14th but only two points above the relegation zone and Tottenham are fifth with five points separating them and fourth place.
It would come as no surprise if the player was potentially put off by the prospect of competing in a relegation dogfight, so Leeds fans might have to temper their expectations when it comes to this deal happening.