Lazio lead chase for Portuguese starlet

Daily newspaper O Jogo has revealed that Serie A giants Lazio have emerged as favourites to sign Portuguese forward Romario Balde from Benfica.

The 19-year-old has shown a great deal of potential playing for youth sides of both club and country, and he looks set to join a top European club.

Balde has rejected a new contract offer at Estadio da Luz, meaning he will become a free agent at the end of the season.

And while Borussia Dortmund offered him an opportunity to join their B side, the youngster has rejected a switch to Germany.

This means that Lazio are now the favourites to sign him as they have been keeping close tabs on Balde for quite a while now.

Premier League outfit Liverpool will attempt to hijack their bid for the talented forward, but the latest reports suggest the player himself would prefer a move to Stadio Olimpico.