Tottenham Hotspur are attempting another approach for Nicolo Zaniolo...
What's the word?
That's according to Italian newspaper La Repubblica (via Giallorossi), who claim that sporting director Fabio Paratici has offered both Japhet Tanganga and Tanguy Ndombele in a potential swap deal but that was quickly shut down by manager Jose Mourinho.
It's thought that the Serie A outfit are looking for around €50-60m (£42-50m).
The Portuguese coach is even said to have asked for Oliver Skipp in return instead.
Conte needs him, Paratici must act
If Spurs are wanting to sign Zaniolo, then they are quickly running out of time to do so as there are less than four weeks until the transfer window slams shut until the new year.
It's no secret that manager Antonio Conte is keen to bolster his squad with the addition of a creative piece and Zaniolo appears to be one of the key targets for the role.
The Lilywhites have lacked a playmaker for quite some time, perhaps dating back to Christian Eriksen's departure in early 2020 because neither Giovani Lo Celso nor Tanguy Ndomebele stepped up in his absence.
Both were shipped out on loan in the most recent January transfer window and both are thought to be available for transfer this summer, so evidently, they are not part of Conte's plans, thus the need for a new signing.
Zaniolo's early career to date has somewhat been blighted by serious injury but he has bounced back on each occasion, most notably last season, where he enjoyed a standout year under Mourinho - as per Transfermarkt, he delivered eight goals and nine assists across 42 appearances.
These are returns that better what Lo Celso (eight goals, six assists) and nearly what Ndombele (ten goals, nine assists) have managed in three years at Hotspur Way.
Described as a "frightening talent" by CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs, the Italy international ranks inside the top 9% for dribbles attempted (4.93 per 90), the top 11% for through balls (0.32 per 90) and the 17% for touches in the opposition box (5.53 per 90) when compared to other attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe, via FBref.
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This shows his ability to get forward and into the box to either create something for his teammates or even attempt an effort himself, also ranking inside the top 7% for total shots (3.2 per 90).
It's now on Paratici to secure his man before it's too late, it's clear that attempts thus far have failed, so they ought to offer something that Roma would be inclined to accept.
Conte needs him this month.
AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano: Spurs "have opened talks" for "extraordinary" 7th signing, 22 y/o is now in trouble...