Italian sporting director Matteo Superbi has admitted he ‘wouldn’t be surprised’ if someone like Tottenham made a move for Roma’s Nicolo Zaniolo this summer.
The midfielder currently finds himself out of favour in Rome, having struggled to continue being the star under Jose Mourinho.
There has also been criticism from the stands, with some labelling the player as selfish and ill-suited to what Roma are doing under the Portuguese boss.
That poor relationship and the fact he is a player with ‘great economic potential’ means he has been linked with a move away from the club this summer.
Tottenham are known to be admirers, with numerous reports from Italy putting them in the picture for his signing, presumably because Antonio Conte and Fabio Paratici are now running things in London.
They will be more than aware of Zaniolo given their respective times working in Italy, and the latest from Italy has made it clear there is ‘a lot of talk’ about Tottenham making a move.
Superbi would not be shocked by that, insisting he would not be surprised if the midfielder was to be signed by a top English side.
“I think a ’99 (year of birth) of that level could be worth 50 million; I don’t think I’m saying the wrong thing,” he told Calciomercato.it.
“I don’t think I’m saying the wrong thing. It will be more a choice of Roma, who will decide what to do with Zaniolo, but that’s the value.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if he was bought by a top English team; the real unknown is that despite being very young, he has already had two major operations. I wish him well and that he has given his all in terms of injuries.
“Nicolò has excellent technique but great physicality. The ball is in Mourinho’s court and Roma’s court.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if there were clubs like Juve, Tottenham or Manchester. It’s still an investment for big teams.”
