Leeds United are reportedly considering a move for AS Roma's Nicolo Zaniolo on transfer deadline day.
Zaniolo has had a rather public falling out with both his Serie A club and manager Jose Mourinho. The former Manchester United and Tottenham manager has openly claimed that the forward does not want to stay with the team, with Mourinho insisting he "does not want to talk about Zaniolo anymore".
Any incoming deal that Leeds might be pondering for the Italian could well depend on the future of Jack Harrison. Space for a further attacking addition seems minimal, but the Leeds man's potential departure could open up room for Zaniolo's arrival.
Reports have suggested that Leicester City are pursuing a late move for Harrison after they had a £20million bid knocked back earlier in the window.
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Amid Leeds' reported interest in Zaniolo, we have put together a quick profile on the Roma man that could be heading to Elland Road.
Who is Nicolo Zaniolo?
Zaniolo is a 23-year-old attacking midfielder that predominantly plays down the middle for Roma. In his own words, the versatile forward "prefers" the No 10 role, but also "feels good out wide".
Joining Roma in 2018, Zaniolo made the move to the Stadio Olimpico from Inter Milan without making his competitive debut for the I Nerazzurri. Standing at 6ft 3in, Zaniolo was integral to Mourinho’s debut season in Rome, scoring vital goals in the team’s Europa Conference League win - including the winning goal in the final against Feyenoord, as well as a hat-trick in the quarter-finals against FK Bodo/Glimt.
Having featured for Roma 42 times across all competitions last season, his apparent fall from grace among the club's hierarchy has caught many off guard. A seeming desire to move away from the club has seen current manager Mourinho place Zaniolo in exile, as Tottenham and Bournemouth are also thought to be circling the Italian international.
Beyond the public falling out with Mourinho, the Roma fans have made it clear that Zaniolo is not wanted at their club anymore. A banner was unfurled over the weekend that labelled the forward as a traitor without honour.
A fresh start appears to be on the cards for Zaniolo and Leeds could well offer him an escape route to the Premier League should Harrison end up leaving Elland Road.
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