Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi has admitted that despite his admiration for reported Leeds United target Nicolo Zaniolo, the Italian is outside of the Seagulls' "economic parameters".
Zaniolo was heavily linked with a deadline day move to Elland Road as Jack Harrison's future at the club remained in doubt. Leicester City were believed to be looking to tempt the attacking midfielder to the King Power Stadium and Jesse Marsch's side were seemingly eyeing up the Italian as his replacement.
Harrison has 18 months left on his contract and Leeds have a choice to make as to whether or not they agree a contract extension with the former New York City man or try and sell him before the end of his deal. The summer window will no doubt give both the Whites and the 26-year-old the time they need to make a decision.
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Zaniolo's versatility as an attacking midfielder would have attracted Leeds to the Roma man, who has quite spectacularly fallen out of favour in the Italian capital. Jose Mourinho has publicly admitted that he is disappointed the 23-year-old will remain with the Serie A side, while fans of the club have raised banners labelling him a traitor without honour.
De Zerbi, who managed Sassuolo in Italy, is a big admirer of Zaniolo. However, the now Brighton boss has ruled out a move for the Roma star.
“No, although he is a very strong player, who by the way is within our age parameters. Brighton have fixed age parameters, they look for players to resell. But Zaniolo is outside our economic parameters," De Zerbi told DAZN (via Football Italia ).
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