Manchester United are set to discuss a potential deal for Nicolo Zaniolo during talks with Roma over Chris Smalling, according to reports from Italy.
United need more attacking options after scoring just 16 goals in 12 Premier League games so far this season.
Zaniolo has been on the Red Devils’ radar since early this year when he scored both Roma’s goals in a 2-1 Champions League win over Porto – and he caught the eye again with another double in Italy’s 9-1 thrashing of Armenia this week.
United scouts were in Palermo to watch the 20-year-old attacking midfielder, as well as Brescia midfielder Sandro Tonali, according to Il Messaggero .
The Italian publication says United officials will discuss a possible move for Zaniolo during meetings with Roma over Smalling’s future.
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United defender Smalling has impressed on loan at the Serie A side after finding himself surplus to requirements at Old Trafford, and his temporary move could be made permanent in the summer .
And the Red Devils will hope their relationship with Roma can help smooth the way to bring one of Europe’s most promising attacking talents to the Premier League.
Zaniolo can play through the middle or on the right wing, and has scored three goals for Roma in Serie A so far this season.
(Image: SIPA USA/PA Images)
But United know they need to move quick if they want to sign the five-cap Italy international, with his stock rising all the time.
With his contract at Roma due to run for another four-and-a-half years, Zaniolo will not come cheap, and football stats website Transfermarkt currently values him at £36million.
United are also in the market for a centre forward in the January transfer market, and Roma’s former Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko has been touted as a possible alternative to out-of-favour Juventus man Mario Mandzukic.
