Roma have now frozen discussions with the agent of Nicolo Zaniolo, as owner Dan Friedkin is refusing to pay the reported Liverpool transfer target’s demands to sign a new contract.
That’s according to Calciomercato, who report the Giallorossi have delayed all future talks with Claudio Vigorelli until the season ends. The Serie A side want to see how the Italy ace responds during the final months of the campaign, as he has suffered a dip in form of late.
Jose Mourinho no longer considers Zaniolo as a guaranteed starter at the Stadio Olimpico, with his presence now in doubt. The Portuguese manager is likely to only start the 22-year-old on the bench when Roma visit Sampdoria on Sunday, if he overcomes a muscle injury.
Zaniolo reported some discomfort on his return from Italy’s disappointing internationals as they failed to qualify for the World Cup. He did not make Roberto Mancini’s plans for their play-off loss to North Macedonia, and was hauled off at half-time in a friendly with Turkey.
The Massa-born maestro now hopes to re-find his form over the final months of the term. He has scored four goals and provided eight assists over 33 games across all competitions.
Roma halt Nicolo Zaniolo contract talks as Liverpool target demands £81k-a-week
A strong turn of form to regain a starting role in Mourinho’s plans could also see Friedkin let talks continue. Roma have frozen negotiations with Vigorelli after Zaniolo requested a salary exceeding €5m-a-year (£81k-a/w) to extend his contract beyond its 2024 expiration.
Juventus are also starting to have doubts over a move to sign Zaniolo, and have no interest in paying close to Roma’s €60m (£50.5m) asking price. A potential boost for Liverpool, who Roma Live recently noted held exploratory talks to assess the terms for Zaniolo’s transfer.
But Jurgen Klopp will likely also be loath to paying a substantial sum if Zaniolo cannot show he merits such a fee and salary on the pitch. He will also note the former Inter Milan gem’s 11 yellow cards, one double booking and one straight red card over 33 games this season.
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