Holger Badstuber drops Lazio hint

Lazio target Holger Badstuber has confirmed he is aware of the interest in his services from the Biancocelesti.

With star stopper Stefan de Vrij set to leave on a free transfer, the Stadio Olimpico outfit are looking to recruit a new central defender and the German footballer is reportedly one of their targets.

Badstuber has managed to prove his fitness at Stuttgart after recovering from a serious injury and he will be out of contract in the summer.

The 29-year-old seems keen on leaving Germany altogether and admits he has heard great things about Lazio.

“Abroad fascinates me,” Badstuber told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“Teams with tradition that play in Europe are very motivating, my friend [Miroslav] Klose played at Lazio, so I know about that reality.

“He was happy in the city, at the club, and he had a connection with the fans. I’ve heard great things about Lazio.

“Out of respect for Stuttgart though, with whom I’m aiming for important objectives, I won’t talk about any negotiation.

“I have experience and I’ve won things, but you can always improve. Serie A is ahead tactically, and defenders learn there.

“Lazio, Roma and Juventus are doing very well in Europe.”