Leeds United have launched a last ditch D-day bid to beat West Ham boss David Moyes and Spurs to hate figure Nicolo Zaniolo after fallout.
There is absolutely no way back for Hammers and Tottenham Hotspur target Zaniolo at Roma according to the Italian club’s chief Tiago Pinto and manager Jose Mourinho this week.
As reported on Hammers News, the reported West Ham and Tottenham target looks almost certain to be shipped out before Tuesday night’s deadline with Roma – by Pinto’s own admission – under pressure to satisfy FFP rules.
West Ham fans are sick of the sight of Leeds in the last couple of transfer windows.
A tribunal must still decide how much Leeds owe West Ham after they lured away young academy striker Sonny Perkins in the summer.
And yesterday Jesse Marsch beat West Ham to the signing of target Weston McKennie – long reported to be the man Moyes wanted as Declan Rice’s eventual replacement.
West Ham boss Moyes and Tottenham’s Antonio Conte have been heavily linked with a move for Roma outcast Zaniolo.
The Italian playmaker recently fell out with Roma’s fans and demanded to leave, sparking a battle between West Ham and rivals Spurs for his signature.
West Ham put forward a rather unusual long-term loan offer with an obligation to buy him from Roma according to Corriere dello Sport.
Spurs were also said to only be interested in an initial loan while Tottenham were previously alleged to be the “new prince of Rome’s” preferred destination.
As reported by Hammers News this week, Bournemouth came out of nowhere to try and beat West Ham and Tottenham to the playmaker with the offer of a permanent move.
Leeds launch last ditch D-day bid to beat West Ham boss David Moyes and Spurs to hate figure Nicolo Zaniolo after fallout
Zaniolo’s agent had a meeting scheduled with the Cherries. But that ended in disaster with the player not even listening to what West Ham’s relegation rivals had to say as he insists on a move to a bigger club.
That incensed Roma fans who unfurled a giant banner insulting Zaniolo in the Italian capital. Their anger stems – according to Football Italia – from Zaniolo’s decision to reject the lucrative offer from Bournemouth.
In the run up to the close of the transfer window, Media Foot claimed West Ham and Spurs have not given up on signing the ‘extraordinary’ talent.
But now Leeds have launched a last ditch D-day bid to beat West Ham boss Moyes and Spurs to hate figure Zaniolo after the fallout.
And reports in Italy claim Zaniolo is ‘holding out hope’ that Leeds will push for him before the 11pm shut-off.
“The Premier League side (Leeds) approached the Giallorossi on Monday night to offer a loan deal with a conditional obligation to buy clause attached for the 23-year-old, but it was instantly declined,” Football Italia reports.
“Roma are only willing to consider a definitive transfer and would rather keep him until the summer than let him leave on loan.”
Calciomercato also claims Zaniolo is holding out for a move to Leeds as the January transfer window draws to a close.
If that is the case then it looks likely West Ham and Tottenham have completely pulled out of the race for the playmaker.
On Monday night Moyes insisted there ‘is a chance’ he will make signings on D-day.
With the clock ticking down it seems unlikely Zaniolo will arrive at West Ham or Tottenham but don’t rule out Leeds.