Tottenham may have been handed a possible transfer boost in the hunt to sign Roma forward Nicolo Zaniolo, according to Graeme Bailey.

The Lowdown: Spurs make move...

Reliable reports in the last 48 hours have shared news of a Spurs proposal to sign the Italy international, coming after their repeated links last summer.

Sky Sports reporter Gianluca Di Marzio first claimed that Lilywhites sporting director Fabio Paratici personally made a proposal to sign Zaniolo on loan with an obligation to buy.

However, further updates then stated the offer was rejected by Jose Mourinho's side with Spurs now looking in the hunt for another player alongside Sporting Lisbon wing-back Pedro Porro.

Tottenham manager Antonio Conte oversaw a lacklustre 4-2 loss to Man City on Thursday evening after they managed to nick a 2-goal half time lead - a result which perhaps highlights their need to strengthen.

The Latest: Tottenham handed Zaniolo boost...

According to 90min reporter Graeme Bailey, writing on Twitter and for 90min, north London is 'very much' Zaniolo's 'preferred option' over fellow signing competitors West Ham, Leeds, Leicester and Borussia Dortmund.

[web_stories_embed url="https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-latest-updates-2/" title="Tottenham latest updates!" poster="https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/cropped-tottenham-fans.jpg" width="360" height="600" align="none"]

This could be a possible boost for Spurs as the player allegedly eyes a move to the club and, according to Bailey, it is believed 'Conte is a huge fan of the player'.

The Verdict: Make the move?

Reports suggest, if Roma don't want to loan him out, the asking price is €40 million (£35m) - a potential financial gamble on behalf of Spurs and chairman Daniel Levy.

Zaniolo has arguably been out of form under Mourinho this year - netting just one goal in 13 Serie A appearances this season.

However, while he is going through a damp patch, his form of last season indicates there is a player of real quality and huge potential in there.

As per WhoScored, over the 2021/2022 season, Zaniolo ranked in Roma's top three for attempts at goal per 90 and bested all of his teammates for completed dribbles per 90 - not to mention he drew the most fouls in that time.

The numbers say, when at his best, he can be a tricky and creative player - something which is arguably needed for Spurs and Conte.

Recently lauded as having 'tremendous talent and an amazing ability' by members of the media, Zaniolo does possess the class - with the question being if he can turn it on in the Premier League.