Galatasaray boss wants ´world-class´ Zaniolo as talks continue

Galatasaray are targeting a deal to sign Roma forward Nicolo Zaniolo in the final days of the Turkish transfer window, coach Okan Buruk has confirmed.

Amid interest from Serie A champions Milan, Zaniolo outlined his desire to leave Roma last month, but the Italy international irked the club’s hierarchy by rejecting a lucrative move to Premier League strugglers Bournemouth.

Jose Mourinho described the likelihood of Zaniolo staying at Roma as “unfortunate” shortly before the window closed for most European clubs, but the 23-year-old could yet finalise a move.

Amid reports suggesting Galatasaray are in talks to seal a deal worth over €22million for Zaniolo, Buruk heaped praise upon the Italian.

“Zaniolo is a world-class player,” Buruk said after Galatasaray’s 2-1 win over Trabzonspor on Sunday.

“He is a player we would like to see in the squad, even if we don’t exactly know his relationship with Roma.

“But if you ask me, ‘do you want to see him in the team?’ Of course, I’d like to have him.”

That’s 15 straight