Tottenham transfer news: Roma move to replace £26m West Ham target

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AS Roma have moved to sign Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar as a replacement for Nicolo Zaniolo. The Italy forward is a transfer target of Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United.

That is according to Radio Radio, which reports Giallorossi sporting director Tiago Pinto is a fan of Aouar. He has also been in talks with the 24-year-old for some time over his switch to the Stadio Olimpico. But Pinto has now furthered his pursuit ahead of Zaniolo’s departure.

Roma originally intended to sign Aouar at the end of the season as he is out of contract at Lyon in June. Yet with Zaniolo potentially leaving the Serie A side, Pinto is now exploring if a mid-season deal is possible. Aouar has already told the Roma chief that he wants to join.

So strong is the mutual desire to finalise a transfer that Aouar has even carried out parts of a medical with Roma already. However, the Giallorossi are yet to agree on a fee with Lyon, who do not plan on giving discounts. Several rival suitors are also exploring his availability.

Thus Pinto is rushing to finalise terms with Lyon to make Aouar a Roma player and avoid a rival suitor securing his transfer. The £63k-a-week playmaker has only started in six Ligue 1 games so far this term. He has also only scored once and has no assists in seven outings.

Roma want Aouar to replace Tottenham and West Ham transfer target Zaniolo

Pinto believes Aouar can replace Zaniolo with a transfer from Lyon in January as West Ham and Tottenham target the Roma maestro. Calciomercato reports that Spurs spoke with the 23-year-old’s agent, Claudio Vigorelli, in London this Friday to try and thrash out his move.

Zaniolo sees Tottenham as his preferred destination but West Ham also spoke to his agent on Friday. Pinto gave Vigorelli permission to speak to the Premier League clubs as Zaniolo’s future at Roma seems over. But any deal for the forward would cost at least €30m (£26m).

Tottenham want to snap up Zaniolo in an initial loan transfer with an objective-dependent obligation to buy. Spurs managing director Fabio Paratici and manager Antonio Conte both back the 11-cap Italy ace’s move to the Premier League. Yet Pinto wants a guaranteed sale.