AS Roma coach Jose Mourinho would prefer to see Nicolo Zaniolo sold if he must leave.

Tottenham, Leicester City and Brighton are all keen on the midfielder.

After victory over Spezia, Mourinho said: “The important thing is that we won and played as a team. I have my opinion and my sensation that come February 1 he will still be here. I realise Nicolò wants to leave, but that is what I feel.

“He said he wants to leave. But that doesn't mean he will leave. I say this because he is an important player and has an important value on the transfer market. The offers on the table are unworthy of him or the club. There's nothing out there. This is why it is my sensation he will be here in February.

“We have a great rapport. I always tried to help him, he responded with the maximum effort. I defend those who give their best and I will therefore always be by Nicolò's side.

“He wants to leave and I have to accept that. However, where is the proposal that can give something extra to our squad? If someone leaves, someone else has to come in.

“If Zaniolo goes for six months, we won't get anything in exchange. That would be unacceptable. I am sorry also that Tiago Pinto is made to be the bad guy in this, because he is not, he is just trying to defend Roma."