Newcastle United have now sent scouts to watch Nicolo Zaniolo in action tonight ahead of a potential move in the summer.
The Lowdown: Fine season
Zaniolo is enjoying a fine season at AS Roma under Jose Mourinho, where he has managed to score seven goals and make a further eight assists in 36 games in total over all competitions so far this season (Transfermarkt).
[web_stories_embed url="https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/newcastle-news-5/" title="Newcastle news!" poster="" width="360" height="600" align="none"]
He is set to play against Leicester City in the first leg of their UEFA Europa Conference League (UECL) semi-final tonight, after scoring an impressive hat-trick in the quarter-finals against Bodo/Glimt to send them through.
The Latest: Scouts sent
As per the Rome edition of Gazzetta Dello Sport (via Sport Witness), the St. James' Park faithful have now sent club officials to watch Zaniolo play, as they 'hope' to sign him in the summer.
There have been talks over a new deal at the Serie A club, but they are 'yet to get anywhere', and so the North East club remain in the picture for his signature.
However, they will face competition from Tottenham Hotspur, Juventus and AC Milan.
The Verdict: Sign
Zaniolo has shown so much promise from such a young age, as journalist Zach Lowy sung his praises when he was just 19, claiming that he has a 'deadly' left foot on top of other assets.
He has even been likened to Tyneside and England legend Paul Gascoigne, as his agent Claudio Vigorelli claims that he 'resembles Gascoigne' due to his 'physical qualities', adding that his technique is 'devastating' and has unique 'pace and muscle' for a 'creative' player (The Daily Mail).
Nonetheless, at six-foot-three, Zaniolo should be able to cope with the physical demands of the Premier League, and his added flair makes him a complete threat.
It is scary to think that he is still only 22 years of age, and so the summer is the perfect time for the Magpies to snap up the Italy international as he approaches his prime.
In other news, find out which 'world-class' Champions League winner NUFC are now eyeing here!