Lazio claim Rivaldo option

By Matthew Jones
June 18 2002

Lazio are claiming to have first option to buy Newcastle target Rivaldo and have until July 10 to persuade the player to quit the Nou Camp. Sergio Cragnotti, also confirmed that misfit midfielder Gaizka Mendieta would form part of the 33 million euros deal, returning to Spain to join Barca on loan.

Lazio are claiming to have first option to buy Newcastle target Rivaldo and have until July 10 to persuade the player to quit the Nou Camp.

Sergio Cragnotti, chairman at the Rome-based outfit, also confirmed that misfit midfielder Gaizka Mendieta would form part of the 33 million euros deal, returning to Spain to join Barca on loan.

Cragnotti said: "The Brazilian has one year left on his contract with Barcelona and we have the first option on him. Our plan is to offer the player a three-year contract. We want him here but we are aware that the operation will be grandiose."

Sources claim that Lazio are in a position to splash out after a 100 million euros cash injection from the club's shareholders.

The Italians are believed to have sent a representative to Japan to coax 'Rivo' into accepting the three-year deal while the player is with Brazil at the World Cup finals.

Cragnotti continued: "We have until July 10 but hopefully in a week's time the deal will be at an advanced stage."

This news comes at the same time as United also revealed that they are in advanced negotiations to reunite Rivaldo with former Barca manager Sir Bobby Robson on Tyneside.

Robson confirmed: "I've got my eye on one or two acquisitions from the World Cup.

"The chairman is looking at the situation with Rivaldo and what the financial implications are.
"We should know in a couple of weeks what will happen."

The Barca number 10 could rake in as much as 5.4 million euros for each of the three years in the proposed Lazio contract, should the transfer come off.