Fiorentina in pole position for Stambouli

Serie A outfit Fiorentina have emerged as favourites to sign Montpellier starlet Benjamin Stambouli, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Viola seem determined to sign another central midfielder before the transfer window closes and the Frenchman is the number one name on their hit-list.

Fiorentina are not prepared to meet Montpellier’s €5 million asking price, but will rather attempt to lower the amount given that the 24-year-old will be a free agent next summer.

Benjamin Stambouli is searching for a new challenge after spending his entire career up to date with la Paillade, making a total of 112 Ligue 1 appearances.

At the same time, Fiorentina are looking to agree a season-long loan for Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fred, with the Miners holding out for €2 million.

Viola have big ambitions ahead of the new Serie A campaign, with Vincenzo Montella’s charges priced at 5/2 to finally achieve a top 3 finish.