Milan are still hopeful of signing Lazio skipper Alessandro Nesta before the start of the new Serie A season and the close of the transfer window.

Juventus and Internazionale had both lodged offers with Lazio before Nesta’s departure for Korea and Japan with Italy’s World Cup squad at the end of May.

The financial crisis which threatened to overwhelmed Italian football then halted all negotiations – with Lazio owner Sergio Cragnotti demanding a minimum œ20million for a player who has spent all his professional career with the Rome club.

Milan have turned their attention to Nesta after neighbours Inter surprisingly pipped them to the signature of Parma central defender Fabio Cannavaro – Nesta’s long-time defensive partner in the Italian national team.

A deal could depend on whether Lazio succeed with their bid to buy defensive midfielder Jose Manfredini from Chievo Verona.
By Keir Radnedge