Leeds United could 'take advantage' of Nicolo Zaniolo's situation at Roma and sign him on deadline day, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.
The Lowdown: Leeds linked with late Zaniolo move
On a tense Tuesday deadline day, a number of reports have emerged regarding the Whites' pursuit of the 23-year-old, as Jesse Marsch looks to conduct some late business.
Zaniolo hasn't always managed to be a regular under Jose Mourinho, starting 12 Serie A matches and only featuring in three Europa League games this season.
It could be that the Italian wants a fresh challenge before the January transfer window ends - especially after Mourinho publicly lambasted him - and Leeds could be his most likely destination as the hours tick by.
The Latest: New update emerges
Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones claimed that the Whites could yet pounce and sign Zaniolo, taking advantage of his preference to leave Roma:
"Leeds could take advantage of a tricky situation but they only wanted a loan and other clubs, including some in Italy, are having a look. We know Zaniolo is stuck between a rock and a hard place because he needs to leave Roma."
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The Verdict: Worth the gamble?
At 23, Zaniola remains a young footballer with great quality despite falling out of favour under the mercurial Mourinho, with Roma legend Daniele De Rossi once lauding his 'incredible natural physique'.
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The biggest risk surrounding a move for the midfielder is his fitness history, with two serious cruciate ligament issues on his record, but he has shown this season that he can be available often, mostly left out due to the manager's preference rather than concerns over his physical condition.
The positives certainly outweigh the negatives with Zaniolo, who has scored 24 goals and registered 18 assists for Roma, and he could add some unpredictability and guile to Leeds' midfield.