Claudio Vigorelli has told LaRoma24 that reported Liverpool transfer target Nicolo Zaniolo is focused ‘only on Roma’ and ending the season strongly, despite doubts around his future.
Zaniolo will enter the last two years of his contract at the Stadio Olimpico this summer. But his status in Jose Mourinho’s plans has taken a dip over recent weeks, despite his creative campaign. The 22-year-old has offered four goals and eight assists across 33 appearances.
Yet despite his output, Mourinho left Zaniolo on the bench as Roma beat fierce rivals Lazio 3-0 last month. Calciomercato also now report the Portuguese has not formed a fondness for the forward, to create the opening for the two parties to part at the end of the season.
Roma will likely ask for €60-70m (£50-58m) to sell Zaniolo, with Juventus speaking with his agent, Vigorelli, over a move. Jurgen Klopp is also interested in the Massa-born maestro’s situation. Roma Live recently noted Liverpool held exploratory talks for Zaniolo’s transfer.
Talks between Vigorelli and Roma over a potential new contract for Zaniolo have also now ceased. Calciomercato additionally note Giallorossi owner Dan Friedkin has paused all talks until the summer after the Italy ace demanded a salary exceeding €5m-a-year (£80k-a/w).
Agent states Nicolo Zaniolo is ‘focused only on Roma’ as Liverpool eye transfer
Vigorelli, however, has now moved to play down speculation around Zaniolo’s future and a possible transfer for the Liverpool target. He states the forward is fully committed to Roma and helping Mourinho’s side to qualify for Europe and progress in the Conference League.
“I would like to clarify Nicolo’s situation,” Vigorelli said. “In these hours, I read statements in the press of people who do not represent the player’s entourage, who is made up of his family first of all and of me.
“I manage all the issues concerning the sporting field and the market. Statements from others are not to be taken into consideration. The boy should just be left alone.
“No more rumours about his future, every week we read about a new club. He is focused only on Roma and wants to give his all to help the club reach the goals of the season.”
Roma will continue their current European tour with a trip to Bodo/Glimt on Thursday in the first-leg of their quarter-final. Zaniolo has started six of their eight fixtures, including qualifiers, so far in the competition. He has also registered two goals and three assists.
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