Roma line up Gerard Deulofeu to replace exit-bound West Ham United target Nicolo Zaniolo
Roma have lined up Gerard Deulofeu to sign “as soon as” West Ham target Nicolo Zaniolo is sold, according to Calcio Mercato.
The Italian attacker’s agent is currently in England looking to negotiate a move after the 23-year-old fell out of favour in Jose Mourinho’s side.
Tottenham were seen as the favourites to bring him in but their plan for a loan with an option to buy has been summarily dismissed [Gazzetta dello Sport, 20 January].
West Ham remain in the running however and his exit appears imminent, to the point where former Everton and Watford forward Deulofeu has been tabbed to take his place.
Udinese are apparently not happy with the transfer market but with the 28-year-old’s contract expiring at the end of next season Roma have readied close to €10million [£8.7million] for him.
Open goal?
A move for Zaniolo looks highly possible if not inevitable, but it is going to take somebody paying the asking price to land him, thought to be about £35million [Sky Sports, 20 January].
The player would prefer a move to Spurs but if their offer doesn’t meet the Roma requirements then the door is open for West Ham to steal in.
It won’t be cheap, clearly, but the Serie A side are ready to let him go so with the Irons board prepared to sanction more spending this month despite a record outlay in the summer the option is there.
With the much-needed win over Everton on Saturday (21 January) the pressure has lifted slightly off David Moyes, which could give both the Scot and the board some space to consider additions to the playing staff.
But with the manager presumably still on a short leash it remains to be seen how much further activity occurs in the transfer window to follow the arrival of Danny Ings from Aston Villa.
A couple more results would change the look of the table considerably so strengthening while the chance is available is worth considering.