ROMA star Nicolo Zaniolo is close to signing for Galatasaray after missing out on a move to Tottenham in January, according to reports.
The 23-year-old looks set to join the Turkish giants for a fee of £18million.
Zaniolo is set to fly to Istanbul today to complete his medical and agree a deal that will contain a £31million release clause, claims journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The attacking midfielder has been desperate to leave Roma and was linked with both Spurs and Bournemouth in recent weeks.
The Cherries sent chiefs out to Italy to discuss a £26million deal only for the player to refuse to meet the executives.
Zaniolo handed in a transfer request as he wanted out of Jose Mourinho’s side, which led to fans reacting angrily.
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He was confronted outside his home by fuming supporters and was reportedly forced to call the police.
Rumours suggest the man capped 11 times by the Italian national side could sue Roma after being frozen out after the public spat.
Mourinho previously slammed him to the press when it appeared he would be staying at the club: “Zaniolo has been saying for a month that he wants to leave.
“When a player tells you, the club and his team-mates: ‘I don’t want to wear the Roma jersey, I don’t want to play, I don’t want to go back to training…’ I have to say unfortunately.
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“The ideal situation is for the player to be happy.
“I said that I expected him to stay, but as things stand today, I have to add unfortunately to that sentence.”
Zaniolo has played 17 times in all competitions this season, scoring two goals and assisting a further three.
Overall, he has featured 129 times for Roma, netting on 24 occasions while helping them win the Conference League last term.
Galatasaray sit top of the Turkish Super Lig, nine points clear of closest rival Fenerbahce.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
