Report: Owner now intervenes in club’s talks as Liverpool target demands £81k-a-week
Roma have now frozen discussions with the agent of Nicolo Zaniolo, as owner Dan Friedkin
is refusing to pay the reported Liverpool transfer target’s demands to sign a new
contract.
That’s according to Calciomercato, who report the Giallorossi have delayed all future talks
with Claudio Vigorelli until the season ends. The Serie A side want to see how the Italy
ace responds during the final months of the campaign, as he has suffered a dip in form
of late.
Jose Mourinho no longer considers Zaniolo as a guaranteed starter at the Stadio Olimpico,
with his presence now in doubt. The Portuguese manager is likely to only start the 22-year-old
on the bench when Roma visit Sampdoria on Sunday, if he overcomes a muscle injury.
Zaniolo reported some discomfort on his return from Italy’s disappointing internationals
as they failed to qualify for the World Cup. He did not make Roberto Mancini’s plans
for their play-off loss to North Macedonia, and was hauled off at half-time in a friendly
with Turkey.
The Massa-born maestro now hopes to re-find his form over the final months of the term.
He has scored four goals and provided eight assists over 33 games across all competitions.
Liverpool now face £59m price tag for ‘incredible’ star after beginning talksReport details what
club is telling agents after Liverpool talks for £32m starRoma halt Nicolo Zaniolo contract
talks as Liverpool target demands £81k-a-week
A strong turn of form to regain a starting role in Mourinho’s plans could also see
Friedkin let talks continue. Roma have frozen negotiations with Vigorelli after Zaniolo
requested a salary exceeding €5m-a-year (£81k-a/w) to extend his contract beyond
its 2024 expiration.
Juventus are also starting to have doubts over a move to sign Zaniolo, and have no interest
in paying close to Roma’s €60m (£50.5m) asking price. A potential boost for Liverpool,
who Roma Live recently noted held exploratory talks to assess the terms for Zaniolo’s
transfer.
But Jurgen Klopp will likely also be loath to paying a substantial sum if Zaniolo cannot
show he merits such a fee and salary on the pitch. He will also note the former Inter
Milan gem’s 11 yellow cards, one double booking and one straight red card over 33
games this season.