Race hots up for Sporting starlet
Portuguese daily O Jogo understands that Napoli are the latest club to have shown interest in Sporting Lisbon defender Tiago Ilori.
After being promoted to the first team set-up earlier this year, the 20-year-old has made no less than 11 league appearances for the Lions, further improving his growing reputation.
He has then impressed playing for Portugal at the Under-20 World Cup in Turkey, with a number of Europe’s top clubs expressing interest in his services.
Valencia and Liverpool were believed to be keen on the talented centre-back, but O Jogo has learned that Napoli have joined the race as well.
With Sporting Lisbon in a very difficult financial situation, it is clear they would not be able to resist a hefty offer for one of their hottest prospects.
Given that interested sides are slowly stepping up their efforts to sign Ilori, everything suggests the talented footballer will be leaving Estadio Jose Alvalade this summer.
West Brom to sign Diego Lugano
West Bromwich have agreed a deal to sign Uruguayan defender Diego Lugano from Paris Saint-Germain, Le Parisien has revealed.
The experienced defender is expected to put pen to paper later today, with his current employers set to receive around €1.1 million.
Diego Lugano had one year left on his deal at Parc des Princes, but was desperate to leave the Saints in search of first team football.
The Uruguayan is, therefore, set to become club’s second high-profile signing of the summer, following the arrival of Nicolas Anelka on a free transfer.
Lugano, 32, will add much needed experience and stability to the side, with the player having made quite a few appearances in Copa Libertadores and Champions League.
Despite losing his place in the side at Parc des Princes, the highly rated centre-back still captains the Uruguay national team and has started 10 matches in 2014 World Cup qualifiers.
Lazio step up interest in Matavz
Lazio are stepping up their efforts to sign Slovenian striker Tim Matavz from PSV Eindhove, reports Il Corriere dello Sport.
Boss Vladimir Petkovic is satisfied with his options up front, but with Libor Kozak looking to leave before the transfer window closes, he might have to add another forward to the ranks.
Should the Czech starlet leave Stadio Olimpico, the Biancocelesti will try and sign Tim Matavz from PSV Eindhoven.
Lazio officials have already spoken with Federico Pastorello, one of the player’s representatives, with a view of luring the Slovenia international to Rome.
Matavz hasn’t quite managed to prove his worth at Philips Stadium, but the Biancocelesti, nonetheless, believe he has what it takes to succeed in Serie A.
Since joining the club from Groningen, the 24-year-old has scored 22 goals in 55 Eredivisie appearances for the Dutch giants.
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.
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