Tottenham have trump card in race for £33.5m sensation, Fabio Paratici should strike player-plus-cash deal

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Tottenham are reportedly battling two other European heavyweights for Nicolo Zaniolo – but Fabio Paratici has a trump card, in Harry Winks.

Zaniolo, 22, has returned from an anterior cruciate ligament which prevented the Italy international from playing a single game last season.

He has returned to action this season, being a regular fixture in Jose Mourinho’s starting line-up. But their relationship is souring.

That is according to CalcioMercato, who report that two ‘bickered’ in training last week – and it saw Zaniolo left on the bench on Sunday.

The report also claims that Manchester United, Juventus and Spurs are all interested – with a fee of £33.5million required to sign the midfielder.

Winks trump card: Tottenham can sign Zaniolo in player-plus-cash deal

A previous CM report says Winks is wanted by Mourinho at Roma – despite dropping him down the pecking order during his stint as Spurs boss.

Winks remains out of the side under Antonio Conte, with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Oliver Skipp first choice. But Winks did well on Sunday.

With Skipp suspended, Winks came in and impressed against Leeds. But his future at Spurs is dwindling and he might be sold – but Paratici is clever.

Roma want Winks, while Tottenham want Zaniolo. So surely, a player-plus-cash deal can be found – or even a straight swap, given the values are close.

Including Winks in a deal to sign Zaniolo, given Roma want Winks, surely gives Spurs the best chance of nabbing Zaniolo – ahead of United and Juve.