According to Corriere dello Sport, Roma now fear losing reported Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur target Nicolo Zaniolo for a cut-price fee as they struggle financially.
The attacking midfielder is regarded as Roma’s prized asset and jewel.
A report in May by Il Tempo claimed Liverpool are eager to sign him, while Leggo claim Tottenham are tracking the 20-year-old ahead of the summer.
Il Tempo claimed Roma valued Zaniolo at over £70 million before the global health pandemic.
But the three-month suspension of Italy’s top-flight coupled with Roma likely to miss out on Champions League football leaves the club in a spot of bother.
Corriere dello Sport say Roma have liabilities topping £120 million. As a result, they will now be unable to refuse £50 million for Zaniolo with Inter to claim 15% of any transfer fee.
Zaniolo has posted six goals and three assists in 20 starts in all competitions this season.
The Italian talent can feature both as a number 10 or out wide, and his performances this season have impressed former Spurs favourite Luka Modric.
“Favorite players? I’ve always liked stylish players; Totti, Del Piero, (Andrea) Pirlo. Now, there are young people who promise a lot, above all Zaniolo. A pure talent,” Modric told Gazzetta dello Sport.
Zaniolo could be an ideal signing for Liverpool.
Jurgen Klopp will not allow the Reds to rest on their laurels after claiming the Premier League title, and the German boss may seek further attacking options.
Zaniolo’s age, potential and style of play fits in with Liverpool’s philosophy.
Tottenham, meanwhile, must strengthen their attacking options. However, Jose Mourinho’s side are likely to work on a stricter budget during the upcoming transfer window.
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