Lazio agree to sign de Vrij
Voetbal International has learned that Lazio have all but agreed to sign Dutch defender Stefan de Vrij from Feyenoord.
The Biancocelesti recently had a €5 million bid rejected for the talented centre-back, but it has been reported their latest offer of €7.5 million has been accepted by the Eredivisie side.
The two sides have yet to agree on a payment plan and financial guarantees, but everything suggests the transfer will be made official in the coming weeks.
Lazio are in desperate need of defensive reinforcements considering Andre Dias and Giuseppe Biava are expected to leave, and they seem to have secured an excellent signing for the new season.
Stefan de Vrij has developed into one of Europe’s most talented central defenders and has already amassed 135 league appearances for Feyenoord.
The 22-year-old is expected to star at the 2014 World Cup for the Netherlands, who are 3/1 to win their opening fixture against Spain.
Abidal hints at MLS move
Monaco defender Eric Abidal is believed to be pondering a switch to the United States as he continues to be linked with a summer exit.
The 34-year-old has played an important role in helping the Principality club secure Champions League qualification, but it appears the club officials do not think he can continue playing at the highest level for much longer.
And even though the former Barcelona star has another year left on his contract, chances are he will be leaving the French giants as early as this summer.
Daily newspaper L’Equipe has suggested that Abidal is open to the possibility of ending his career in the United States.
The player’s agents are set to meet with Monaco officials to discuss his future, which is enough to suggest a summer exit is on the cards.
Despite featuring in four 2014 World Cup qualifiers, Abidal was left out of Didier Deschamps’ squad for the tournament finals.
Leicester announce Upson deal
Newly-promoted Premier League side Leicester City have announced on their official website that they have agreed to sign English defender Matthew Upson from Brighton.
The 35-year-old will join the Foxes on a one-year deal on 1 July when his current contract with the Seagulls comes to an end.
Upson rejected a new contract offer from the Championship side and instead jumped at the opportunity to return to English Premier League.
The former England international joined Brighton from Stoke City on a free transfer two years ago and has since made 64 Championship appearances for the club.
The veteran defender boasts a wealth of Premier League experience, having made a total of 275 top flight appearances playing for Arsenal, Birmingham City, West Ham and Stoke.
Upson has scored 2 goals in 21 England caps and represented the Three Lions at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
For more news about football transfers and rumours, visit our Transfer News section. To view all football transfers for 2013/14 season, visit our Soccer Transfers section.
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