Lazio and Parma are rivals for Zenden

Parma AC are leading the race to sign Boudewijn Zenden from FC Barcelona with SS Lazio again interested in the Dutchman.

A £7 million offer from Parma for the Dutch international looks set to win out after interest from Deportivo La Coruna and Newcastle in the winger.

SS Lazio almost completed a move for Zenden last year with the player agreeing a four year contract with the Rome club but the move fell through only hours away from completion.

Zenden starred for PSV Eindhoven in their 1997 championship season and went to the World Cup in France the following year.

At that time he was a conventional left winger who attacked with freedom but a move to the Dutch revolution instigated by coach Louis van Gaal at FC Barcelona saw Zenden converted to a regular left back position although he was used right down the left side by van Gaal in two successful years at Barca. His growing reputation was confirmed by rave notices at Euro 2000 which brought immediate interest from Italy but his career stalled with the coaching problems at Barca.

Zenden wants to leave Barca who are looking to sell players after retaining both Rivaldo and Patrick Kluivert for the start of next season.

Lazio said earlier in the week that their transfer dealing was over for the summer but the versatile Zenden has been a long term target for the Rome club.