Tottenham Hotspur are 'leading the way' to sign Roma forward Nicolo Zaniolo and are 'prepared to put more money down initially for the loan', according to reports.
The Lowdown: Spurs renew Zaniolo interest...
Spurs are reliably believed to have renewed their interest in the 23-year-old after repeated links last summer, with journalists like Gianluca Di Marzio breaking the most recent links.
There have been further reports since then claiming that the Lilywhites and London rivals West Ham are in the running for the Italy international's signature.
90min even claim that the likes of Leicester City and Leeds United are also eyeing a move for Zaniolo, but Spurs and their fellow capital club are more frequently mentioned in the press.
While there are admirers from abroad also in Borussia Dortmund, it appears that Antonio Conte's side are in pole position, according to an update from West Ham insider ExWHUemployee.
The Latest: Tottenham 'leading the way' for Zaniolo...
The reliable Hammers in-the-know claimed via Patreon that Spurs are currently 'leading the way' for Zaniolo ahead of West Ham for one main reason.
It is believed that Tottenham are 'prepared to put more money down initially' for a proposed loan with an obligation to buy.
In a further boost for Conte and Spurs, the Irons have had their offer rejected by Roma.
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The Verdict: Good news...
As things stand, it would appear that Spurs are the frontrunners to sign Zaniolo this month as club chiefs look for a creative spark and heir to Christian Eriksen.
The Sky Sports panel have described the 23-year-old as a player who can fill the void left by Tottenham's former fan favourite, dubbing him a 'Conte sort of player'.
As per WhoScored, the Italy international's creativity is evident through his league numbers last season, having racked up a higher rate of successful take-ons and fouls drawn per 90 than anyone in Jose Mourinho's squad.
The only caveat to this move would be Zaniolo's current dip in form, having only scored one goal all season.
However, we believe that working under a manager like Conte, combined with the excitement of working in Europe's highest-ranked league (as per UEFA's association club coefficient), could reignite a spark in the midfielder's game.
His physicality is also a bonus given that Zaniolo stands at a lofty 6 foot 3 and has been called 'physically imposing' by members of the media, seemingly making him tailor-made for a move to England.