Leeds United are reportedly still in talks to sign AS Roma star and Tottenham target Nicolo Zaniolo, with a deal hinging on the potential departure of Jack Harrison.
According to the Independent, the Whites can only currently afford to sign Zaniolo on loan with Roma looking to offload the attacker in a permanent transfer, however, deadline day interest in Harrison from Leicester City could open the door for Leeds to move for the Italian international.
The 23-year-old has been heavily linked with an exit from Roma all January, and with Leeds now in talks to sign Zaniolo, a deal could potentially be concluded in the coming hours if Leicester can first strike a deal for Harrison, who could leave Elland Road despite his status within the club and amongst the fans.
Indeed, such a deal would be one of the most dramatic of the January window so far, and for Tottenham, missing out on Zaniolo to a Premier League rival in Leeds will sting for Antonio Conte, who for most of the window looked like the clear favourite to sign the Serie A star.
Leeds must allow Harrison to leave to sign Zaniolo
Harrison’s impact at Leeds cannot be understated, with the winger playing a massive role in the club’s initial promotion to the Premier League and subsequent status in the division, yet with Zaniolo available, offloading the attacker in order to bring in the Italian is a no-brainer.
After all, Zaniolo is one of the most exciting talents in Serie A and a player who could take Leeds to the next level, and with the structure of the deal the cause for a lack of movement in a transfer, selling Harrison to fund the move is a sacrifice worth making for the Whites.
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