Steve Bruce is set to be given a bumper summer budget, while Spurs now face competition from Man Utd for a talented Roma star, according to Thursday’s papers.
POCH v SOLSKJAER FOR ITALY STARLET
Manchester United have joined Spurs in the race to sign talented Roma midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo, according to a report.
Zaniolo moved to Roma from Inter Milan in the deal which saw Radja Nainggolan head the other way to San Siro, and he quickly made an impression in the capital.
Tottenham have been tipped to sign Zaniolo as part of a swap deal for defender Toby Alderweireld, with reports in Italy claiming that Roma are tempted by their offer of the Belgian plus €25m.
Roma are not budging away from their initial price tag of €70million (£63m) for Zaniolo, who has strongly been linked with a move to Juventus, but it appears another suitor has been attracted.
According to the Mirror, Manchester United are now monitoring the 20-year-old’s situation as they look to replace Paul Pogba and Ander Herrera.
It is hinted that Zaniolo could be an alternative to Bruno Fernandes who – despite actively wanting a move to Old Trafford – carries a daunting price tag.
Roma sporting director Gianluca Petrachi did recently claim that Zaniolo is ‘not on the market’, however it is believed that the Giallorossi have a set asking price.
“I have to work to get the best out of Zaniolo and my job isn’t just buying and selling players, as I have direct contact with the squad.
“I see them every day and consider them to be teammates. I never put Zaniolo on the market.
“I can’t rule anything out either, because nobody thought Juventus would sell Zinedine Zidane and yet they did.
“What I can say is that today Zaniolo is not on the market.”
Despite breaking through into the first team last season, the attacking midfielder scored just once more in Serie A after February 2 as his form tailed off.
AND THE REST
Romelu Lukaku is intent on leaving Manchester United for Inter Milan. (Times)
Chelsea manager Frank Lampard will decide whether Brazil international Willian will get a new contract at the club. The 30-year-old winger has one year left on his Blues deal and Barcelona are interested in signing him for £30m. (Express)
Newcastle United head coach Steve Bruce could have more than £90m to spend this summer in the transfer window. (Sky Sports)
Bruce ‘was the 11th choice’ for the Newcastle job and not even on their original shortlist. (Mail)
Unai Emery insists Arsenal are working to bring in “three or four” players before the start of the new season. (Independent)
Pep Guardiola has opened the door for Leroy Sane to quit Manchester City – by telling the £100m-rated German winger he can leave if he is unhappy. (Mirror)
Midfielder Granit Xhaka is in pole position to replace Koscielny as the Arsenal captain. (Telegraph)
Liverpool remain highly unlikely to sell Simon Mignolet, 31, and have no plans to send the goalkeeper on loan before the transfer window closes. (Liverpool Echo)
Spanish striker Fernando Llorente, who is a free agent after his Tottenham contract expired, is weighing up an offer from Serie A side Fiorentina. (Mail)
Burnley are looking for £12m for 33-year-old England international keeper Tom Heaton, £8m more than Aston Villa have currently bid. (Birmingham Mail)
Arsenal have been warned they have not come “anywhere near” meeting Crystal Palace’s valuation of 26-year-old forward Wilfried Zaha. (Mirror)
Fulham midfielder Jean Michael Seri is set to join Turkish side Galatasaray on loan for an initial £1.3m with an option to make the deal permanent. (Mail)
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