Bournemouth target Sassuolo forward Hamed Traore while Leeds join Zaniolo race | OneFootball

Bournemouth have switched their attention to Sassuolo forward Hamed Traore after seeing their move for wantaway AS Roma star Nicolo Zaniolo fall through, according to Calciomercato.

The Cherries had agreed a transfer fee with Roma to sign Zaniolo, but the player was not keen on joining amid their relegation struggles.

According to several reports, Zaniolo only wants a switch to reigning Italian champions AC Milan. But the Rosonerri do not have the financial power to match Bournemouth’s bid, prompting them to drop out of the race.

With Zaniolo also rejecting the Premier League club, it remains to be seen where his future lies, but Bournemouth have wasted no time lining up a new target.

They have reached an agreement with Sassuolo over the transfer of Traore, who is now one step away from completing his move to the Vitality Stadium.

Bournemouth will pay €30 million plus bonuses for the exciting attacking midfielder, who has registered three assists in 11 appearances for the Italians this season.

The 22-year-old will undergo medical examinations with the Cherries tomorrow before completing his move ahead of Tuesday’s transfer deadline day.

Meanwhile, Leeds United have now joined the race to take Zaniolo away from Rome this month. The 23-year-old has fallen out with the club and its manager and has asked for a move away.

However, despite interest from several clubs across Europe, it looks increasingly likely that he will remain with the Giallorossi at least until next summer.

The only concrete offer that has come in for Zaniolo came from Bournemouth, which the player has outrightly rejected as he wants a club competing for trophies.

It remains to be seen if he will be open to joining Leeds in a desperate attempt to leave Rome, as the Lilywhites are not so far away from Bournemouth on the Premier League table.