Everton are reportedly ‘trying’ to sign Nicolo Zaniolo from Roma before the transfer window closes after he was targeted by several Premier League rivals.
The Toffees have endured a troublesome January transfer window. Frank Lampard has been sacked and they have failed to bring any new players in to help to ease their relegation fears.
Conor Gallagher was targeted a couple of days ago but the midfielder was reportedly against a move to Everton. He cannot be blamed as they are currently joint-bottom in the Premier League.
Zaniolo is a player who has been linked with several English teams this month. He was dropped by Roma boss Jose Mourinho a couple of weeks ago with him looking to engineer a move elsewhere.
After being linked with Arsenal and Tottenham, AFC Bournemouth later emerged as a potential destination for the midfielder.
Gianluca Di Marzio revealed that Zaniolo ‘accepted’ the proposal from the Cherries and a ‘flight was booked’ for the Roma star to travel to England to complete the move.
Though this has since fallen through as Bournemouth’s new owners ‘blocked everything due to high transfer fees already spent’.
Interestingly, Roma boss Jose Mourinho has openly admitted that Zaniolo “doesn’t want to play” for them anymore.
“Zaniolo told me he doesn’t want to play for us anymore, that he doesn’t want to train with the team,” Mourinho revealed.
“So that’s why I say that he will, unfortunately, stay with us after all.”
The midfielder may get himself a move away, though. Sport Italia are reporting that Everton are ‘trying to sign’ him but they are involved in a ‘race against time’.
Though it is noted that Everton face a ‘difficult’ battle with little time left before the window closes.
Everton supporters would surely take any signing at this point Serie A legend Zbigniew Boniek has warned interested clubs that Zaniolo causes “problems”.
“Zaniolo is young and has great potential, but the problems are people around him, those who tell him what to do and make wrong decisions,” Boniek told Il Corriere dello Sport.
“This, to me, is the biggest problem and I am sad for him. Nicolò has great qualities and he has proved it after the double knee injury.
“But, while you can heal from a muscle, knee or foot injury when the problem is in the head, then it all gets more complicated.”
He added: “If he has decided not to play for Roma, then it’s better if he’s not involved.
“The problem remains the same, if he doesn’t change his attitude, then he will cause problems in any club.
“What matters the most is that the situation won’t affect Roma who are doing well in 2023.”
READ MORE: Top ten transfers which should go through on a weirdly exciting January deadline day
