Manchester United have reportedly emerged new contenders in the race to sign in-demand Roma ace Nicolo Zaniolo.
The £25m-rated midfielder has been heavily linked with a move to Tottenham this summer transfer window after impressing in Serie A last season.
Juventus are also believed to be amongst those keen on acquiring his signature - but CalcioMercato claim United could now hijack their moves.
Zaniolo, 20, joined Roma from Inter Milan in a deal which saw Radja Nainggolan head in the opposite direction last summer.
He instantly impressed at his new club and became the youngest Italian player to score twice in a Champions League match as they beat Porto 2-1.
His form saw him earn a senior Italy call-up and win his first two caps towards the end of the season, sparking interest from around Europe.
He could be an alternative to Bruno Fernandes as United look to strengthen their midfield after losing Ander Herrera and with Paul Pogba's future still uncertain.
But Spurs are also determined to land the youngster - whilst Roma sporting director Gianluca Petrachi insisted they do not plan on selling their prized asset.
Petrachi told reporters this week: “I have to work to get the best out of Zaniolo and my job isn’t just buying and selling players, as I have direct contact with the squad.
"I see them every day and consider them to be teammates. I never put Zaniolo on the market.
"I can’t rule anything out either, because nobody thought Juventus would sell Zinedine Zidane and yet they did.
"What I can say is that today Zaniolo is not on the market."
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