S.S. Lazio midfielder Hernanes has moved to play down reports linking him with a January exit from the Stadio Olimpico, Sky Sports understands.
Recent reports have suggested Hernanes, a rumoured target of Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur, could leave Rome when the transfer window re-opens in January.
The Brazil international, who joined Lazio from São Paulo in a deal worth €11.1 million in August 2010, has scored three goals in 12 appearances in all competitions for the Biancazzurri this season.
“I want to deny all of those market rumours about me,” Hernanes told Lazio Style Radio.
“I have a contract with Lazio and I want to respect it with the same passion and professionalism that I have had from the beginning.
“During training I do what is asked of me and more and I have played matches when I haven’t been 100 per cent, taking risks.
“Extending my contract? I will never ask for a renewal. If the club thinks I deserve to stay here, they’ll call me and we’ll talk. I still have 18 months left and there are other players in the same situation.”
Hernanes was left out of the matchday squad by manager Vladimir Petković at the weekend, as the Biancocelesti suffered their first home defeat of the season at the hands of Genoa.
Lazio, currently in seventh-place in the Serie A table, are scheduled to entertain Cypriot First Division side Apollon Limassol FC in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday.
The hosts are backed by the bookmakers at 8/11 to win to nil, while Hernanes is 13/10 to score at anytime.
Lazio (2/9); Apollon Limassol (11/1); Draw (5/1)
Kroos confirms contract talks
Germany international midfielder Toni Kroos has confirmed he is in contract negotiations with Bayern Munich, according to Sky Sports.
Kroos, 23, is currently contracted to the Allianz Arena until the summer of 2015, but both the club and the player are keen to agree a new deal.
The 23-year-old, who has been linked with a £25 million move to Manchester United in the January transfer window, is happy with his first-team involvement under new manager Pep Guardiola, but admits an extended stay at Bayern is far from guaranteed.
“I am in touch with Bayern Munich regarding a new deal,” Kroos told Kicker.
“This will get more important as the expiry date in 2015 approaches more and more. There is no infinite amount of time. Everyone knows that.
“I have a basic interest in signing a new contract. If I keep on going like I am, everything will be fine.
“I am not a fan of telling people I will be a player of Bayern Munich in 10 years’ time. So much can happen. Five-year deals can be cancelled after just one season.”
Kroos — 6/1 to open the scoring against FC Viktoria Plzeň in midweek — has tallied one goal and two assists in 17 competitive appearances for the Bundesliga champions in 2013/14.
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