Monaco reignite interest in Patricio; Lazio and Roma battle for Djordjevic

Monaco reignite interest in Patricio

Monaco are set to launch a fresh assault on Sporting Lisbon goalkeeper Rui Patricio, according to A Bola.

It is no secret the Principality Club are looking to sign a high-profile goalkeeper at the earliest opportunity, especially after summer signing Sergio Romero failed to prove his worth at Stade Louis II.

And while Barcelona’s Victor Valdes remains their primary target, the French giants are also exploring other options.

A Bola has suggested that Monaco have reignited their interest in long-term target Rui Patricio, having watched the player last weekend in the derby match against Benfica.

The Principality club had a €10 million bid for the 25-year-old rejected in the summer as the Lions were holding out for €15 million.

Rui Patricio will be in action tonight when Portugal host Sweden in the first leg of the World Cup qualifying play-offs, with the Seleccao 7/10 to emerge triumphant.

Lazio and Roma battle for Djordjevic

Local rivals Lazio and Roma are locked in the battle for Nantes striker Filip Djordjevic, reports Il Corriere dello Sport.

The Biancocelesti believe the Serbian forward would be a perfect replacement for veteran Miroslav Klose and they are stepping up their efforts to sign the highly rated footballer.

Meanwhile, AS Roma are also keeping close tabs on the 26-year-old, who has developed into one of top strikers in French Ligue 1.

Djordjevic has a contract until the end of the season with the Canaries, but he has suggested that he is unlikely to leave in the winter transfer window.

This basically means that he will be available on a free transfer come end of the season, with interested sides free to negotiate a Bosman deal in the New Year.

Filip Djordjevic has been in scintillating form this season, notching 8 goals in 13 league appearances for Nantes.

Porto star trio linked with summer exit

Portuguese newspaper A Bola understands that the future of FC Porto stars Lucho Gonzalez, Helton and Fernando is in doubt.

The three captains are in the final year of their respective contracts and all of them have been linked with moves away from the club.

Midfielder Fernando is almost certain to leave either in January or in the summer as he is followed by a number of Europe’s top clubs, with Italian Serie A the most likely destination.

Meanwhile, Lucho Gonzalez and Helton are both linked with moves to Brazil, but it remains to be seen if the club officials will make an extra effort to keep hold of their prized assets.

All three players are considered key members of the side at Estadio do Dragao and their potential departures would be a big blow for the Dragons.

Portugal currently sit three points clear at the Primeira Liga summit, and they are 4/7 to successfully defend the league trophy.

For more news about football transfers and rumours, visit our Transfer News section. To view all football transfers for 2013/14 season, visit our Soccer Transfers section.