Nesta adds to SS Lazio transfer 'labyrinth'

SS Lazio captain Alessandro Nesta has been linked with a move to Atletico Madrid in June 2001 at the end of his present contract with the Serie A leaders.

Nesta negotiated with Atletico last year after a ruptured knee ligament forced him out of the World Cup in France. The defender is regarded as a symbol of the Rome club and joined them as a 12 year old. He is regarded as the best young defender in Italy and is a regular for the national side.

SS Lazio president Sergio Cragnotti may now try to circumvent any move to Atletico for his young captain by pitching Nesta into the transfer market to be claimed by the highest bidder if no new contract can be agreed.

Lazio have been linked with a £7 million move for Chelsea defender Marcel Desailly but he has today said he wants to see out the remainder of his two and a half year contract in the Premiership.

The Rome club are the centre of attention at the moment as the new transfer season opens on January 4th for one week. They will bring in Claudio Lopez from Valencia in the summer and have made a massive $64 million bid for Rivaldo that would see Chile striker Marcelo Salas sold. Lazio were prepared to sell Salas to Juventus but the player would rather move to Parma AC with the UEFA Cup holders funding the transfer by releasing Argentine striker Hernan Crespo to sign for Torino.