Multiple Italian sources report Leeds United did approach Nicolò Zaniolo, but Roma rejected it and are determined to make an example of him by leaving him in the stands for 18 months if needs be.
Zaniolo effectively froze himself out of the squad by handing in a transfer request and insisting he never wanted to wear the Giallorossi jersey again.
So when he turned down a proposal from Bournemouth worth €30m plus a 10 per cent cut of the sell-on fee, the Serie A club was furious.
Several reports claim that Leeds United made an approach today, offering a loan with option to buy becoming an obligation with fairly easy targets for €30m.
Sky Sport Italia, Sportitalia and Tuttomercatoweb all insist Roma rejected it out of hand.
They also turned down a similar bid, albeit one for circa €22m, and have made it clear they will not accept anything other than an obligation to buy.
Another decision was made today, with multiple sources stating Zaniolo has been told he is out of the project permanently.
That means if he does not bring in a suitable offer, he will be left in the stands until his contract expires in June 2024.
Despite that situation, even if he has only 12 months left on his contract, Roma will again not accept less than the Bournemouth offer in July.
The Italy international’s behaviour seemingly so horrified the Roma hierarchy that they are going to make an example of him, even if that means accepting a damaging financial loss.
He will be allowed to leave only at their conditions, with no room for compromise.
In this day and age and financial climate, Roma cannot afford to lose out on 30m. Fake news.