United keeping tabs on Roma’s teen midfielder
‘WONDERKID’ ADDED TO BOSS’S WISHLIST
NEWCASTLE United are keeping tabs on Italian wonderkid Nicolo Zaniolo.
Sources in Italy have revealed United scouts have checked out the 19-year-old AS Roma midfielder, who is emerging as one of Serie A’s top young talents.
Zaniolo ended up at Roma as part of a swap deal with Inter Milan last season as the teenager and ex-Toon defender Davide Santon were traded for Radja Nainggolan.
However, Inter’s judgment has been questioned as the midfield youngster’s part in the deal was valued at just €4.5m.
Zaniolo, pictured, who stands at 6ft 3in, has scored five goals and provided two assists for Roma this term in 26 games.
His two goals in the Champions League against FC Porto also boosted his profile further.
United are looking closely at the central midfield area with Mo Diame potentially leaving the club this summer and speculation over Jonjo Shelvey growing on the football circuit, with West Ham monitoring his situation.
Rafa Benitez is well up to speed on Zaniolo’s progress but has no idea how much Newcastle will give him to spend next summer.
However, with Zaniolo also being tracked by Real Madrid and Juventus, the Magpies are not alone with their interest in the youngster.
Zaniolo was also released by Fiorentina as a kid and recently said: “My dad says you can reach the top quickly but you can fall to the bottom even more quickly.
“He is always telling me not to become big-headed, especially now. He also tells me to remember how I felt when Fiorentina got rid of me.
“I am not famous but I am in the spotlight.
“I know I am young and I am doing well at a big club.
“I have to make sure I am able to deal with it all.”
United have spent plenty of time in Italy this season on the scouting front and have also checked out Parma’s Roberto Inglese.
However, all of their scouting trips to Europe so far this year have very much been watching briefs, with head of recruitment Steve Nickson merely starting to build a pool of targets for next summer in conjunction with Benitez.