Leeds to hold talks over Roma attacker

Amid speculation that Leicester City are persistent on a move for Leeds United winger Jack Harrison before tonight’s transfer deadline, reports indicate that the Whites will look to bolster their attacking options should Harrison depart for The Foxes.

One player who Jesse Marsch and Leeds are said to have their sights set on is AS Roma’s Nicolo Zaniolo [via The Independent]. The 23 year old attacking midfielder is set on a move away from Jose Mourinho’s Serie A side, with Leeds supposedly in negotiations with Roma for the player.

A point of contention between both clubs is reportedly that Leeds are interested in signing Zaniolo on loan until the end of the 2022-23 campaign, while Roma would be keen on seeing the player leave on a permanent basis. Its unclear whether or not a buy-option would be a suitable compromise for each party, but its not off the table.

Zaniolo has 11 appearances for the Italian national team. He has 17 appearances on the current season so far, though a number of these were as a substitute which has hindered his game time with the first team [via Transfermarkt]. Mourinho has commented about the player’s desire to leave Roma, stating:

“Zaniolo has been saying for a month that he wants to leave. Unfortunately, it looks like I was right. I say unfortunately, because the player has been saying for a month that he wants to leave. If a player tells everyone he no longer wants to wear the Roma jersey, I have to say unfortunately.”

Its hard to envisage anything concrete happening here unless Leeds winger Jack Harrison completes a move away from Elland Road today. While they don’t necessarily play the same role on the field, it would be highly unlikely for another attacking player to arrive during the current transfer window without someone departing, which ties in with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano’s assessment of the Jack Harrison and Leicester City speculation.

Let us know your thoughts on all the deadline day speculation at Elland Road in the comment section below and on Twitter at @VitalLeeds!