An Italian newspaper is linking Town keeper Matteo Sereni with a move to Lazio. The 28-year-old stopper had a highly successful season with Brescia and is interesting a number of Serie A sides.
According to the report, the Rome club are keen to make Sereni their second choice keeper behind Italian international Angelo Peruzzi, replacing Luca Marchegiani. They plan to offer him a three-year deal at the Stadio Olimpico.
Sereni has another two years left to run on his Town contract but Lazio are hopeful that they will be able to sign him on a free transfer despite the Blues wanting a fee of some sort for their £4.7 million record signing.
Recently an Italian paper valued Sereni at £5.5 million. However, with Town's financial troubles well known, his wages £22,000-a-week and the transfer market as it is, the Blues could be forced to let him go for nothing in order to avoid his return to the payroll.
Sereni is familiar to Lazio boss Roberto Mancini as they were at Sampdoria together. Mancini confirmed on Friday that he would be remaining with the Biancocelesti and is expected to be offered a new five-year deal.
Sampdoria, the club who sold Sereni to Town in the summer of 2001, are understood to be Lazio's main opposition for the 28-year-old's signature.
Current loan club Brescia had first option on the Parma-born keeper but only if a deal was done prior to the end of April. However, they are still interested but finances are tight and they seem unlikely to be able to compete with the other potential contenders.
Despite his undesirable wages, Town have told Sereni to return to Portman Road for pre-season training on July 2nd, three days after his loan spell at Brescia ends.