TRUE Africa

AS Roma try again for up-and-coming talent Hakim Ziyech

AS Roma are lining up a second offer for Morocco international Hakim Ziyech, which could end the chances of a move to the Premier League.

Both Swansea and Sunderland have been heavily linked with the FC Twente star, who has emerged as one of the most talented young players in African football.

The playmaker is also on the radars of both Arsenal and Manchester United although it is understood that neither has firmed up their interest with a bid yet.

Meanwhile Barcelona have scouted Ziyech closely over the past 12 months and he was suggested as an option for German heavyweights Borussia Dortmund, who were looking to replace the Old Trafford bound Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

At 23, Ziyech has already racked up over 100 appearances in the Dutch top flight during his time at Heerenveen and now Twente, who are desperate to keep hold of him this summer.

But after a stellar season, during which he scored 17 league goals in just 33 outings, interest from across Europe has intensified.

Sources in Turkey have suggested that Fenerbahçe have already held talks with Twente about doing a deal for the Holland-born ace, who has entered the final two years of his contract with the Dutch club.

However, Gazzetta dello Sport has claimed that Roma have emerged as front runners to land Ziyech this summer – and they have already lodged a formal offer.

Their previous bid was swiftly dismissed by Twente but Roma are expected to return to put more money on the table.

The Stadio Olimpico club finished third in Serie A last term but were rocked by the departure of their star player Miralem Pjanić, who joined the champions Juventus in a £27m deal earlier this summer.

Roma are now hoping to find an adequate replacement and their director of football Walter Sabatini believes Ziyech could fit the bill.