Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk believes that Nicolo Zaniolo could go if a ‘suitable’ offer arrives as Premier League giants Aston Villa confirm their interest in the Italy international.
With most coaches opting to keep their cards close to their chest when discussing potential transfer targets, the reporter who quizzed Unai Emery on Aston Villa’s pursuit of Nicolo Zaniolo before Saturday’s trip to Newcastle United may have been pleasantly surprised by the Spaniard’s willingness to respond.
Not only did Emery confirm his interest in Zaniolo. He also spelled out exactly how he planned to use him too.
“Zaniolo is not a striker. He is versatile. He can play as a number 7 or a number 10. And he’s one of those we have on the list,” Emery said, via Tuttomercatoweb. “With the qualities he has, (Zaniolo can) help us.
“He’s on our list, and there are others.”
Aston Villa boss confirms Nicolo Zaniolo interest
Perhaps Emery felt, considering that Aston Villa’s interest in the former Roma ace is not exactly a secret, it would be a little churlish attempting to play down the speculation. The Daily Mail reports that Villa have already made a bid to sign Zaniolo on loan with a £17 million option-to-buy clause inserted into his contract.
New President of Football Operations Monchi, meanwhile, knows Zaniolo from his time in the Italian capital.
The versatile 24-year-old set tongues a-wagging when he missed Galatasaray’s 0-0 draw with Kayserispor on Sunday too. That absence, according to Gala coach Okan Buruk, was due to an injury rather than anything more cryptic.
“Nicolo Zaniolo suffered a groin injury,” Buruk says today, via Sporx.
When pressed further on Zaniolo’s future, however, Buruk did admit that every player – even one as important as the Italian – has his price.
“Many of our players have been targeted. Nicolo is one of them. If there are suitable conditions for the club (to sell), the club will evaluate it,” Buruk adds.
“I am focused on my job. We are trying to do the best with the players who are fighting on the field rather than going.”
Aston Villa’s interest emerged following the news that Emi Buendia would be out for a while following a ‘significant’ knee injury. Tyrone Mings is also set for an extended spell on the sidelines; stretchered out of Saturday’s eventual 5-1 hammering at St James’ Park.
The post Manager admits star man could go as Aston Villa make £17m offer appeared first on HITC.
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