Roman drama at Olimpico: Jose's match-winner wants to earn the same as Pellegrini and Abraham

Remember when Roma won the UEFA Europa Conference League less than a month ago? Their in-form winger Nicolo Zaniolo scored the winning goal against Feyenoord and sent the Giallorossi fans into dreamland. But today, the situation at Stadio Olimpico is not so rosy. Zaniolo has delivered a clear ultimatum to the club directors: either pay me what you pay Lorenzo Pellegrini and Tammy Abraham or let me leave.

Zaniolo is currently on a $3 million per year deal, which has another two years to run, but he wants an improved contract and a yearly salary of $6.1 million. The only problem is that the club doesn't see him as a key player for Jose Mourinho's team. They are willing to improve Zaniolo's terms but not to double his wages.

Talks between the player's agent Claudio Vigorelli and Roma's sporting director Tiago Pinto met and tried to find a compromise, but there seems to be precious little progress. Roma are facing a difficult situation: their highly-rated player is unhappy, but they cannot sell him for a fee they feel is adequate. They want more than $60 million for the 22-year-old, but clubs are reluctant to pay that much for the talented but injury-prone player.

Friday, 20.00: (2.30) Setif (3.10) USM Alger (3.10)

Milan and Juventus have both been linked with a move for Zaniolo, but they won't put up the cash but instead look for swap deals. Roma aren't interested in player exchange.

Newcastle United are linked with just about every player in the world now and are willing to offer the money, but Zaniolo prefers to stay in Italy.

The drama continues - and everyone involved is hoping that it's resolved as soon as possible.