BBC SPORT | Football | Europe | Lazio wait on Rivaldo

Lazio's hopes of landing Brazilian World Cup winner Rivaldo hinge on whether they can sell defender Alessandro Nesta.

Nesta is believed to be Manchester United's favoured alternative if they fail to land England defender Rio Ferdinand from Leeds United.

We have not put Nesta up for sale. We have only said we are open to serious offers

Lazio president Sergio Cragnotti

But the chances of the �35m-rated Nesta beginning the new season at the Stadio Olimpico are increasing, after Inter Milan, Juventus and Spanish European Champions Real Madrid all fell short of Lazio's asking price.

Lazio are keen to offload Nesta to finance a bid for Rivaldo as they find themselves in common with other Italian clubs who are being forced to limit their spending.

The normally vibrant Italian transfer market has been subdued, with most of the summer's big transactions being swap deals with little cash involved.

Fergie steps up Rio pressure

Lazio president Sergio Cragnotti said: "Chances that our captain Nesta leaves Lazio get slimmer and slimmer in the absence of adequate bids.

Barcelona's Brazilian World Cup winner Rivaldo is a tartget for Lazio
Rivaldo is Lazio's big target

"We have not put Nesta up for sale. We have only said we are open to serious offers.

"Until now, there has not been any offer worthy of a jewel of our family like Alessandro.

"If nobody presents a high offer, Nesta will stay with us for all of next season," added Cragnotti.

If Lazio are unable to off-load Nesta, they may try and dangle the bait of Gaizka Mendieta in front of Barca.

Mendieta has failed to light the Roman candle since his big money switch from Valencia, spending most of last season on the bench.

Gaizka Mendieta could be used as bait to tempt Rivaldo from Barcelona
Mendieta could be Lazio's bait to tempt Barcelona

He has hinted that he would welcome a return to Spain, while Rivaldo's future at the Nou Camp had been brought into question following Barca's appointment of Dutch coach Louis van Gaal.

The 30-year-old Brazilian, who helped lead his country to a fifth World Cup win, had a series of run-ins with van Gaal in the Dutchman's first spell at Barcelona.

He was linked with a move to Lazio on several occasions.

Dacourt challenges Juventus

Cragnotti said: "The Mendieta-Rivaldo swap could happen.

"Barcelona need to talk to the player but I hope we can produce a deal which will bring another great star to Lazio.

"We are waiting to hear of the Brazilian's intentions. We hope that the deal can reach a good end."


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