Lazio and Milan to swap stars?
Lazio and Milan are being linked with a sensational exchange deal involving unsettled strikers Tommaso Rocchi and Alberto Gilardino.
Rocchi’s stock has risen in recent years and after two consecutive 16-goal seasons, the Venetian hitman has become a crucial component in the Lazio side.
However, the 30-year-old’s future may lie away from the Eternal City as he is demanding an improved contract, which his club may not be able to grant him.
Gilardino’s situation is very different. The ex-Parma man is struggling at Milan and has been whsitled and jeered by some sections of the Rossoneri faithful, prompting suggestions he may quit the San Siro.
While a switch would allow Gila to relieve the pressure of playing for the European champions and give Rocchi the chance to prove himself on the biggest stage, there are stumbling blocks on both sides.
“I don’t know how this speculation came about because it is practically impossible for Gilardino to ever wear the Biancocelesti shirt,” Gilardino’s agent Giovanni Bia stressed.
“Lazio’s maximum wage bill wouldn’t allow it unless Milan paid 90 per cent of his salary and I don’t think that would happen.”
Lazio President Claudio Lotito has also poured cold water on the rumours by insisting that Rocchi will be staying in Rome.
“We are still in talks and we want to keep him because he embodies the spirit of the club,” he stated.
“It remains to be seen whether the extension talks will be successful, but whatever happens he is a Lazio player until 2009.”
Meanwhile, Rocchi faces a nervous wait to see whether he will be fit to play against Real Madrid on Tuesday after spraining an ankle against Reggina.
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