According to reports from Calcio Mercato, Inter Milan are preparing a £21million bid for Lazio midfielder Lucas Biglia – a mooted target of Premier League duo Liverpool and Manchester United.
The Argentina international, who represented his country in the 2014 World Cup final, is no stranger to the Premier League’s rumour columns and has often been linked to its top clubs over the last few years.
Even in the space of the last week alone, talkSPORT have claimed Liverpool are targeting the 29-year-old ahead of the January window, after sending scouts to watch him in action for Le Aquile and Albiceleste, whilst Fichajes report a feisty war of hypothetical contract offers between Manchester United and Real Madrid.
Widespread interest in Biglia stems from two predominant factors. First of all, the former Anderlecht star has been one of the most consistent midfielders in Serie A since his 2013 arrival and is enjoying yet another strong season, finding three goals and one assist in seven league outings whilst averaging 3.7 tackles, 2.4 interceptions and 1.7 created chances per match.
Secondly and perhaps more importantly, the experienced midfielder’s Stadio Olympico tenure appears set to come to an end within the next few transfer windows. Lazio want to extend his contract past summer 2018 but the South American has continually refused and the Rome outfit will be well aware that his market value could significantly depreciate as a consequence – especially considering Biglia turns 30 in January.
But Inter Milan represent fresh competition for the midfielder’s signature, according to Calcio Mercato – who cite Italian publication Il Corriere Della Sera. They claim Nerazzurri are preparing a €30million(£21million) bid and would also offer Biglia a €3million per year contract amid their search for added options in midfield. Roberto Mancini has already explored the possibility of signing Andrea Pirlo on loan from MLS side New York City, but the World Cup winner is reluctant and Biglia represents a like-minded alternative.
However, Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio has made it clear that the club would likely have to raise funds by selling major names before signing anyone in January.