Mourinho attempts to block Nicolo Zaniolo’s transfer to Tottenham Hostspur

AS Roma boss Jose Mourinho trying to stop Tottenham from signing Nicolo Zaniolo, according to reports. AS Roma manager Jose Mourinho is said to have spoken to Nicolo Zaniolo to convince him to stay at the club this season, although the 23-year-old already agreed to a €4.5million contract at the club on a loan move with an obligation to buy.

The Lilywhites’ transfer business has slowed in recent weeks after making a splash early on in the window. However, Conte insists that the club will catch any opportunity left before the window closes. It’s reported Spurs are willing to offer cash along with midfielder Tanguy Ndombele in order to convince Mourinho to sell. The Italian outlet claims that Zaniolo has already agreed to a salary package worth €4.5m per season at Tottenham and is excited by the opportunity of working under Conte in the Premier League.

However, sources claim that Mourinho stepped in to block the deal. Mourinho wants Zaniolo to stay for this season to achieve his goal. Zaniolo scored 8 goals and 9 assists in all competitions last campaign and helped guide Roma to their Europa Conference League triumph in May. The current UEFA Europa Conference League holders would at least aim for a top-four finish this season, but a title challenge cannot be ruled out. At this point, Tottenham and AS Roma are similar in the aspirations. It remains to be seen Whether Zaniolo will be Tottenham’s seventh signing of the summer transfer window or stay at AS Roma.