Transfer Talk: Zaniolo looks to London for January switch

Nicolo Zaniolo has rejected a new contract at Italian side Roma and could be set for a January move to the Premier League.

The midfielder, 23, has featured 17 times in all competitions for Jose Mourinho's side, who sit seventh in Serie A.

According to Sky Sports, Tottenham and West Ham are both interested in signing Zaniolo with the former having shown interest in the summer market last year.

Despite having scored only one league goal this season, the playmaker is highly rated by Antonio Conte and Fabio Paratici, who are looking to bring in a creative spark this month.

The North London club are reported to be ahead of the Hammers in the race for Zaniolo's signature, having already made one offer for his services.

It is believved that Roma would be willing to accept a loan with an obligation to buy, making a move more likely within the next 11 days.

The 11-cap Italian international is capable of playing as an attacking midfielder or centre forward, although reports in the summer suggested that Conte would attempt to utilise him as a wing-back.

With a valuation of £35million, it is unlikely that Spurs will pay outright for the 6ft 2in maestro but they could accelerate a potential loan move after cooling their interest in Leandro Trossard.

In other news

Chelsea have enquired about the availability of Tottenham's Yves Bissouma but have received no encouragement over a potential deal with their London rivals, say The Telegraph.

According to The Mirror, Jude Bellingham is set to request a meeting with Borussia Dortmund to discuss his transfer preferences in the summer after indicating he would prefer a move to Spain over England.

Reports from 90Min suggest that Aston Villa are keen on bringing Lyon striker Moussa Dembele to the Midlands with the Frenchman's contract expiring in the summer.