ROMA midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo reportedly refused to meet with executives from Bournemouth this week after they had flown to Italy in an attempt to complete a transfer.
The 23-year-old has been linked with a move away from the Stadio Olimpico since the transfer window opened at the beginning of January.
Tottenham and AC Milan had expressed an interest in signing him, but Bournemouth were willing to table the best bid.
According to Sky Sports Italia, the Cherries were keen to match Roma’s £26.4million asking price in order to swiftly complete the deal.
However, after club chiefs flew out to Italy to meet with Zaniolo, the player refused to take part in negotiations and instead sent his agent Claudio Vigorelli to the meeting.
Roma have been left furious with the midfielder as a result and the club are now believed to be considering disciplinary action against him.
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Zaniolo has scored two goals and assisted three in 17 appearances for the Yellow and Reds so far this season, but he was dropped from the squad last week.
While Tottenham and AC Milan remain interested in a potential deal, Roma chiefs believe that selling the Italy international to Bournemouth would be the best option.
On top of meeting the initial asking price, the Cherries have also offered Zaniolo a significant pay rise.
But with the midfielder’s next move still uncertain, Juventus could potentially swoop in to hijack a deal.
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Reports in Italy have suggested that the Serie A giants could submit an offer if Weston McKennie, who has been linked with a move to Leeds, leaves the club.
If so, Zaniolo may be easily persuaded to swap the Stadio Olimpico for the Allianz Stadium as he is believed to be a Juventus fan.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
