Transfer Centre

Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United 'considering Nicolo Zaniolo moves'

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 15 January 2023

Tottenham, Newcastle 'considering Nicolo Zaniolo moves'

Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are reportedly monitoring the situation of Roma playmaker Nicolo Zaniolo, who is out of contract in 2024.

Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are reportedly both eyeing up moves for Roma playmaker Nicolo Zaniolo.

The 23-year-old's future with Jose Mourinho's side has been called into question recently, as he has now entered the final 18 months of his contract.

Zaniolo's development with the Giallorossi has been hampered by more than one serious injury, but he played an integral role in Roma's Europa Conference League triumph last season.

The Italy international scored five goals and set up three more in 10 continental matches last term - including the decisive strike in the final against Feyenoord - while he has one goal and three assists from three Europa League outings this time around.

However, Zaniolo's Serie A tally stands at just one goal from 13 games in the 2022-23 season, and he has only completed the full 90 minutes in four of those appearances.

Roma's Nicolo Zaniolo with head coach Jose Mourinho on September 23, 2021 © Reuters

With Roma coming under increasing pressure to sell if Zaniolo does not renew his contract, Calciomercato claims that both Tottenham and Newcastle are keeping a close eye on the situation.

The report adds that Roma and Zaniolo have not discussed a possible contract renewal since August, where the player's agent demanded a higher wage for the midfielder to pen fresh terms.

With no breakthrough being made, Zaniolo and Roma are still a ways from agreeing a new contract, and the 23-year-old's departure from the Giallorossi is seemingly edging ever closer.

Tottenham director Fabio Paratici reportedly had his eye on Zaniolo during his time upstairs in Juventus, and Antonio Conte would also welcome the chance to work with the playmaker in North London.

Zaniolo was named in the first XI for Roma's Coppa Italia last-16 clash with former club Genoa on Thursday, but he was withdrawn to boos from the crowd in the 86th minute of that 1-0 win.

Roma boss Jose Mourinho controls the ball on September 15, 2022 © Reuters

Mourinho apologised to Zaniolo for the treatment that he received from supporters and insisted that no individual should be the subject of boos, telling reporters: "It is not my responsibility but I am very pleased. Empathy has been around for a long time. People are aware that the group gives its best and I'm sorry for booing Zaniolo because he is an example of a guy who gives his best.

"I learned from an early age that when you give your best, you don't have to give more, even when you go to school. My story in Rome is small but maybe people will listen to me.

"They can boo the team, the result, whatever they want but not individual. When there is a person who takes a salary from Roma and then criticizes the players in front of the microphones, he opens the door to boos and people listen to him.

"I'm sorry for Zaniolo and I'm sorry that my club doesn't have the strength to go straight, because in these situations you have to do it."

Zaniolo left Inter Milan in 2018 to join Roma for a €4.5m (£4m) fee, and the Italian has since come up with 24 goals and 18 assists in 128 games for the Giallorossi in all tournaments.