Report: Newcastle now want to beat Tottenham to Conte’s ‘dream signing’, could cost £42m

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According to Gazzetta dello Sport in Italy, Newcastle United are interested in bringing in Tottenham-linked midfielder, Nicolo Zaniolo, this summer.

Zaniolo is one of Italy’s finest midfielders and he has played a starring role with Roma in recent times. However, reports have suggested that there may be a deal to be done for clubs who like the midfield star, with Tottenham said to be among those keen. Indeed, Zaniolo is said to be considered by Antonio Conte as his dream signing.

But while Conte might want him at Spurs and Newcastle are sniffing around, Gazzetta has claimed that both clubs might face a tough task signing him. It’s suggested the Italian would prefer to stay in his homeland, something which will encourage Jose Mourinho when it comes to a potential new deal.

Should Roma eventually decide they will sell Zaniolo, it’s believed they’ll ask for around £42m. Further, it’s claimed Zaniolo is demanding around £5m-a-year in wages to move on from the Italian capital.

As it stands, then, it would appear Newcastle and Tottenham face a bit of a task in landing the Roma man.

TBR’s View: Zaniolo Is Quality, There Is A Long Way To Go In This Window

There might be reason to think about quitting for Spurs and Newcastle as things stand right now, but this is a long old window with twists and turns to come.

With that, there is nothing to stop both clubs keeping on trying to convince Zaniolo here. Tottenham have the Conte factor and Champions League football, while Newcastle have huge pots of cash and a long-term vision to sell.

Should Zaniolo decide to leave Rome for England, then either club mentioned here would suit. He is a class act, and would almost certainly impress in the Premier League, if signed.