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Lazio Target Newcastle United's Fabricio Coloccini – Report

The distinctively-haired Argentine is wanted by the Biancocelesti...

Aug 17, 2009 11:04:34 AM

Premier League: Manchester City - Newcastle United, Nigel de Jong, Coloccini (PA)

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Premier League: Manchester City - Newcastle United, Nigel de Jong, Coloccini (PA)

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Fabricio Coloccini

After Fenerbahce gave Diego Lugano an offer he couldn't refuse, scuppering Lazio's plans to sign the Uruguayan, the Biancocelesti have had to start their search for a centre-back again, and they are now looking towards Newcastle United defender Fabricio Coloccini.

Lugano looked set to pen a five-year contract with Lazio on an annual salary of €2 million, but Fenerbahce jumped in to offer Lugano €3m-per-year plus bonuses.

As a result, Lazio are now looking elsewhere. Il Corriere dello Sport report that they have a shortlist of five defenders: Fabricio Coloccini, William Gallas, Renato Civelli, Alberto Rodriguez and Michele Canini.

However, a move for Rodriguez has already been ruled out by sporting director Igli Tare, while Arsenal have already sold Kolo Toure this summer, meaning that the transfer of Gallas is highly unlikely.

The favourite is thought to be Newcastle's Coloccini, who holds Italian citizenship and would not take up a non-EU spot in Lazio's squad. While the Magpies are also short on defenders, they are close to signing free agent Sol Campbell, and the completion of that deal would allow Coloccini's €5m transfer to take place.

Lazio will have competition for the Argentine's signature, however, as Real Zaragoza and Palermo are also believed to be interested.

Anthony Wright, Goal.com

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