Lazio rival Valencia for the signing of Barcelona midfielder Riqui Puig

Lazio rival Valencia for the signing of Barcelona midfielder Riqui Puig

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Puig has been told by Xavi that he is not part of his plans next season

Riqui Puig is drawing interest from the Italian side Lazio after being told he is not part of Xavi Hernandez's plans at Barcelona.

Valencia have also asked about the Barça midfielder but they now have competition from Serie A after Lazio boss Maurizio Sarri backed a move.

Lazio are looking for a technical attacking midfielder and have also been linked with Celta Vigo midfielder Denis Suarez.

A deal for the former Barça man is complicated, though, and a move for current Barça player Puig would be much easier to negotiate at this stage.

Lazio are prepared to pay his full salary as part of a loan, while Valencia currently have their hands tied as they are over their LaLiga salary limit and cannot register new players.

They need to sell first to be able to loan or sign players, but coach Gattuso is a big fan of Puig and would love to take him to Mestalla with him.

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