Turkish giants Galatasaray and Fenerbahce ‘offer Nicolo Zaniolo an escape route from his Roma hell’ – after the Italian is REMOVED from Jose Mourinho’s team until the end of the season
- Galatasaray and Fenerbahce ‘each held talks with Roma for Nicolo Zaniolo’
- The Italian submitted a transfer request, but was not given an exit last month
- Roma are only interested in letting the wantaway leave on a permanent deal
Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe are reportedly both investigating Nicolo Zaniolo, who is out of favor with Roma.
Roma, who have taken the Italian off their squad until the end of the season after he forced an attempted departure in January, are only willing to let Zaniolo go for good.
Both Turkish clubs have opened talks with Jose Mourinho’s side and expect a response on Monday, it has been reported Sky Sports in Italy.
Roma were ready last month to accept a £35m purchase commitment loan, with both Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham interested in the Italian.
Any deal involving Zaniolo would include a 15 percent sell-on clause to his former club Inter Milan.
Galatasaray and Fenerbahce have both asked about out of favor Roma star Nicolo Zaniolo
Roma have removed the Italian from Jose Mourinho’s squad until the end of the season
The 23-year-old goalkeeper provided two goals and three assists in 17 appearances for Roma before being dropped from Mourinho’s squad last month.
In the wake of Roma’s 2-0 win against Spezia last month, Mourinho said: “It’s been a month since the player said he wants to leave. After Spezia I gave them a day off and an optional training session.
“Anyone who wasn’t playing came to work and these are the ones we want. If a player tells everyone he doesn’t want to wear the Roma shirt, I have to say he stays despite me.
“What I can say today is that Zaniolo won’t be in Naples and I’m focusing on those who will be.”
Since the Portuguese manager’s comments, Zaniolo has not played for Roma and it appears he will not play for the rest of the season.
Roma moved into third place in Serie A after their 2-0 win against Empoli on Saturday, level with Inter in second place.
Tottenham and West Ham also showed interest in Zaniolo during the January transfer window
