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The Roma boss has shed more light on reports linking the Italian international away from the Stadio Olimpico.
Roma manager Jose Mourinho has said that Nicolo Zaniolo is likely to stay at the club despite asking to leave.
Zaniolo’s future has been the subject of debate over the last few days after asking to leave Roma.
Zaniolo wants out but Mourinho says no
The 23-year-old also asked to be left out of Roma’s fixture against Spezia, with reports saying he was not in the right frame of mind to play.
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Zaniolo has been linked with a move to the Premier League, with Tottenham Hotspur, Brighton and West Ham all reportedly interested in his services.
However, despite Zaniolo’s desire to leave Roma this month, Mourinho said the 23-year-old will likely remain at the club as they have not received a suitable offer for him.
Speaking after Roma’s 2-0 win over Spezia, Mourinho revealed Roma have not received a suitable offer for the Italian star.
“I have a gut feeling which tells me that on February 1st he will be here. The transfer window is open, and Nicolo’s wish is to leave but in the end I think he’ll stay with us. He told us he wants to leave but it’s not certain he will,” Mourinho said as per Roma Press.
“Why? Usually when a player wants to leave, and lets you know about it, it’s because there’s an important offer on the table. But so far there’s nothing for Zaniolo. That’s why I think he’ll be here a week from now.”
Mourinho denies Zaniolo feud
While Mourinho did admit that Zaniolo asked to leave, the Portuguese manager insists it has to be for the right price as they have to bring in another player to replace him.
“Right now he wants to leave, it’s something I have to accept. But where is the acceptable offer for Roma that could help us? Because if Nicolò goes away, someone has to come,” he added.
The former Chelsea manager also refuted suggestions that he is not happy with the Italian, saying he has always gotten along with Zaniolo. However, Mourinho insists it is not a given that Zaniolo will play every time if he stays.
“Right now he wants to leave, it’s something I have to accept. But where is the acceptable offer for Roma that could help us? Because if Nicolò goes away, someone has to come.
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“If he stays we’ll handle it the way these things must be handled,” Mourinho continued. “Those who work and deserve to play will play, those who work less and don’t deserve to play won’t play,” Mourinho added.
Roma and Zaniolo have just eight days to find a solution as the transfer window closes at the end of the month. Should Zaniolo leave, Roma are likely to go for Gerard Deulofeu or Hakim Ziyech
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