Star Nicolo Zaniolo has rejected West Ham boss David Moyes and could now sign for Spurs or Brighton instead reports claim.
As reported by Hammers News last week West Ham are rivalling Spurs in a bid to sign ‘Prince of Rome’ Zaniolo after his fallout with the club’s fans.
Zaniolo had been hailed the new Francesco Totti. But his star has faded in the Italian capital under Jose Mourinho and reports claimed West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur are looking to bring him to London for a fresh start.
Italian reporter Alfredo Pedulla – as well as Get Italian Football News – claim Tottenham and West Ham are ‘leading the race’.
But star Zaniolo has rejected West Ham boss Moyes and could now sign for Spurs or Brighton instead reports claim.
According to Calcio Mercato, Zaniolo’s agent is in London talking to West Ham and Tottenham while Brighton have also been linked.
Now it has emerged the playmaker AND Roma have rejected an offer from West Ham which means he could now sign for bitter rivals Tottenham or Brighton instead.
Both Spurs and the Seagulls are managed by Italians which could be a key reason for Zaniolo’s decision.
But it seems West Ham’s offer was dismissed out of hand by the player and his club because Moyes was only prepared to take the Italy international on loan with obligation to buy for €30m (£26m) by December 2023 based on their Premier League position.
“That is not suitable for Roma or Zaniolo, as the Giallorossi want more guarantees of a permanent transfer with the money coming in by June 30,” Calcio Mercato reports.
“Tottenham are closer to the mark, both in their proposal – paid loan with obligation to buy once he reaches a certain number of appearances – and in the sporting project presented to Zaniolo.”
According to Corriere della Sera and Get Italian Football News, Brighton’s offer is also more suitable than West Ham’s.
With Tottenham having Antonio Conte in charge and his fellow Italian Roberto De Zerbi being Brighton boss, both clubs have a distinct advantage it seems.
But Zaniolo is said to prefer a move to Tottenham and the chance to work under Conte.
West Ham’s priority will be to sign another forward this month with talks ongoing in a move for rapid Lorient ace Terem Moffi.
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