Podolski hints at Lazio deal; Real switch their attention to Lucas Moura

Podolski hints at Lazio deal

Koln striker Lukas Podolski has dropped a hint that he could join Lazio at the end of the season.

The Germany international is set to leave the Billy Goats in the summer, and he was recently paired with a move to Arsenal.

Podolski has since denied that he has reached an agreement with Gunners, and he now claims that a move to Lazio is a realistic possibility.

The 26-year-old admits that he would like to be reunited with Germany teammate Miroslav Klose.

“It would be great to play alongside him again,” Podolski told Il Corriere dello Sport. “Miro has spoken well of Lazio and he’s happy in Rome.

“My future has yet to be decided.”

Miroslav Klose has been an instant hit at Olimpico, having scored 12 goals in 25 Serie A games since arriving on a free transfer from Bayern Munich.

Lukas Podolski has also been scoring goals for fun this term, bagging 16 goals in 21 Bundesliga games.

Real switch their attention to Lucas Moura

Real Madrid have decided to drop their interest in Neymar and go for Lucas Moura instead, Brazilian newspaper Estadao understands.

As Neymar continues to insist that he doesn’t want to leave Santos, Real Madrid chiefs have reached a decision to shelve their interest in the Brazilian for the time being.

Estadao claims that los Blancos will try and sign his teammate Lucas Moura instead.

The Brazilian newspaper reveals that Florentino Perez has established first contacts with the player’s representatives as he prepares an official offer for the player’s services.

Just like Neymar, Lucas also pledged his future to Sao Paolo, but his constant clashes with coach Emerson Leao could push him towards the exit door.

The 19-year-old is regarded as one of the brightest talents in world football and his agent Wagner Ribeiro recently revealed that Santos had rejected a €25 million offer for his services last summer.

Lucas Moura is already an important member of the Brazil national team and currently has 11 caps to his name.

Stankovic wants Inter stay

Serbian midfielder Dejan Stankovic believes he still has a lot to offer at Giuseppe Meazza and plans to continue his Inter career.

Inter owner Massimo Moratti yesterday revealed that he planned to rejuvenate the squad at the end of the season, adding fuel to speculations that several senior players will be allowed to leave.

Dejan Stankovic is one of those who could pay the price for the poor results this season, but the Serbian is adamant he doesn’t want to leave.

“I still have two years left on my contract and I can keep pedaling,” Stankovic told Inter Channel.

“I have even more desire to play, to not give up. Everyone knows what I’m like.

“When I think I can no longer do it, when I feel I can no longer give to Inter everything that Inter deserve, I’ll hold my hands up, and thank the president and everyone at the club for everything I’ve learned and won at Inter.

“When that moment comes, I’ll tell you, but for the moment I’m still really up for it.”

The 33-year-old has been used sparingly this season, and he only has 8 Serie A starts to his name.

For more news about football transfers and rumours, visit our Transfer News section. To view all football transfers for 2011/12 season, visit our Soccer Transfers section.