Luis Neto welcomes Napoli interest; Diego Lugano edges closer to Malaga switch

Luis Neto welcomes Napoli interest

Siena defender Luis Neto is interested in joining Napoli in the January transfer window, according to the player’s representative.

The Azzurri have lined up the Portuguese defender as a replacement for banned captain Paolo Cannavaro, but the problem is Juventus and few other top clubs are also keen.

Siena appear ready to sell their prized asset provided the price is right, and Neto’s representative admits that Napoli may have an advantage over their rivals for the player’s signature.

“Neto likes Napoli, he knows it is a great team, and he might want to play in a club like this,” agent Bruno Carvalho said to Radio Crc.

“There was a conversation between Siena and Napoli, but nothing official. We are waiting for decisions of the Tuscan club.”

Luis Neto only joined Robur in the summer, but he quickly established himself as one of the most talented defenders in Serie A.

With Siena almost certainly set for a return to Serie B, the 24-year-old is hoping to leave the club for greener pastures.

Diego Lugano edges closer to Malaga switch

French daily L’Equipe is reporting PSG defender Diego Lugano is set for a January move to Malaga.

The two clubs have opened negotiations over a six-month loan and they are expected to come to an agreement in the coming days.

Lugano’s €3.8 million per season wage is proving to be a problem for cash-strapped Malaga, meaning that PSG will have to accept to pay a big portion of the player’s wages if they want to get rid of the Uruguayan.

Diego Lugano, 32, joined the Saints in the summer of 2011, but lost his place in the side with the arrival of Carlo Ancelotti.

After failing to make a single Ligue 1 appearance for the club this season, the experienced defender expressed his desire to leave Parc des Princes in January.

The interesting thing is that Lugano is still captain of his national team despite the lack of playing time at club level.

Schalke complete Raffael signing

Schalke have announced on their official website that they have signed Dinamo Kiev forward Raffael.

Raffael, 27, arrives on a six-month loan, while the German club have the option to make the transfer permanent at the end of the season.

The Miners opted to make a move on the Brazilian forward after winger Ibrahim Afellay picked up a serious injury during the winter break.

“Due to our persistent injury problems – for example, losing Ibrahim Afellay for at least two months – we have decided to once again be active in the transfer market,” general manager Horst Heldt told club’s official website.

“We are pleased to have the commitment of Raffael – it increases our opportunities in attack. Raffael will have no problems settling in as he has already played for four years in Germany.”

Raffael left Hertha after four and a half years at the club to join Dynamo Kiev last summer, but his career in Ukraine did not start as planned.

The Brazilian will relish the opportunity to return to Bundesliga and try and earn a permanent contract at Veltins Arena.

For more news about football transfers and rumours, visit our Transfer News section. To view all football transfers for 2012/13 season, visit our Soccer Transfers section.