Real Madrid’s interest in Roma forward and Italy Under-21 international Nicolo Zaniolo is ‘normal’, according to former winger Luis Figo.
Last month, Diario AS cited a report in Sportmediaset that Madrid’s interest in the player began when the two sides met in the Champions League earlier in the campaign.
“Zaniolo has many great qualities and looks set for a great career,” Figo told reporters, as reported by El Espanol.
“It’s normal that big clubs like Real Madrid are interested.”
A previous report in AS claimed Madrid’s interest in the 19-year-old rocketed after scouting Porto defender Eder Militao – who they have now signed – during their Champions League Round of 16 tie earlier this month.
Zaniolo joined Roma from Inter this summer – as part of the deal that took Radja Nainggolan to the Milanese club – and has netted six goals in 31 appearances this season.
The reports claim Zaniolo is priced at €60m by Roma.
