Tottenham transfer news: Zaniolo pulls out of Roma squad amid Spurs talks

By Giuseppe Labellarte

Tottenham Hotspur are currently in pursuit of Roma star Nicolo Zaniolo.

Spurs boss Antonio Conte has been looking for attacking reinforcements in a bid to save his side’s season.

And Zaniolo, one of the top talents in Serie A, is apparently on the Tottenham hierarchy’s radar.

In terms of negotiations, Spurs and Roma aren’t close to an agreement just yet.

Sky Sport Italia have reported that Roma want €40m (£35m), either permanently or on loan with an obligation to buy.

Meanwhile, Tottenham apparently want either a loan with option to buy or conditional based on Champions League qualification.

Since Roma aren’t happy with these conditions, the two clubs will apparently continue in negotiations.

Player-side, things look more promising for Tottenham.

A report from Sport Mediaset today claimed that Zaniolo has effectively said ‘yes’ to joining Spurs.

Roma face Spezia in Serie A this weekend, and earlier reports suggested Jose Mourinho had dropped Zaniolo.

‘Would rather not take to the pitch’

However, it’s now being reported that the player himself has asked not to play.

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, the player ‘doesn’t have the serenity to play and would rather not take to the pitch’.

If Roma had decided not to play Zaniolo, then that gives the impression they’re already planning for life without him.

However, if the 23-year-old doesn’t want to play, as per the report, it suggests he’s planning for life after Roma.

This is good for Tottenham, as it looks as though the player really wants to link up with Conte and his club.

However, until Spurs can come to an agreement with Roma, it doesn’t mean much.

Zaniolo is an ‘incredible‘ player whose arrival at N17 would increase the quality of the squad.

Let’s hope Tottenham can find a solution, because they really could do with some good news at present.