Tottenham Hotspur have approached Roma over marquee man Nicolo Zaniolo, but Jose Mourinho could yet block a move from happening.

The Lowdown: Spurs heavily linked...

The Lilywhites have been heavily linked with a move for Zaniolo over this last week as manager Antonio Conte and sporting director Fabio Paratici keep preparing for the 2022/2023 Premier League season.

There have been claims of talks to sign the 23-year-old and even reports Spurs are in pole position after a plethora of summer transfer activity, having already sealed deals for Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster, Yves Bissouma, Richarlison, Clement Lenglet and Djed Spence.

A key player for Roma boss Jose Mourinho, a transfer for Zaniolo could prove tricky as Il Romanista now make a claim on his future.

The Latest: Tottenham make contact...

According to their information, translated by Sport Witness, Paratici has long been a big fan of the player and Spurs have made contact to ask what Roma's plans are regarding their starlet.

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However, the Serie A side apparently replied to Tottenham's approach by stating that, to sign Zaniolo this summer, it will cost them a massive €60 million (£50m).

Even then, it is claimed Mourinho may block attempt to block their move.

The Verdict: Move on?

A lot can happen between now and the end of the transfer window with it not being beyond the realm of possibility that Spurs could make an offer too good to refuse.

And Paratici's admiration is no surprise given Zaniolo finished 2021/22 as one of Roma's most potent attacking threats - completing more successful take-ons per 90 than anyone in Mourinho's squad (WhoScored).

However, if Conte is after a creative midfielder to complete his squad, they cannot afford to waste time with the deadline looming on September 1, so perhaps attention should eventually turn to James Maddison.