Football transfer news

Udinese winger Pablo Armero will sign for Napoli on Thursday subject to the successful completion of a medical.

The 26-year-old makes the move following two-and-a-half seasons at Stadio Friuli, during which he scored three goals in 69 Serie A appearances.

The transfer of the former America Cali and Palmeiras star, who has 38 caps for Colombia, was announced on Napoli’s website.

“The left winger will arrive on loan with the option to buy out half of his contract at the end of the season,” the club said.

“Armero will undergo his medical tomorrow, after which the deal will be made formal.”

The news comes as a big boost to coach Walter Mazzarri’s offensive options, as he bids to claw back a seven-point gap between his third-placed side and Serie A leaders Juventus. 

Nicolas Anelka could be set to join Paris Saint-Germain for a third stint at the club.

The 33-year-old is currently with Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua after joining from Chelsea in January 2011 but has since become unhappy at the club.

The former Arsenal and Real Madrid forward has been training with Carlo Ancelotti’s side and could be set to make a permanent switch according to TransferNewsCentral.com.

Queens Park Rangers have also been reported as showing interest in the former French international, although it is believed Anelka would prefer a switch back to his homeland.

He played for PSG as a teenager in 1996 before rejoining them in 2000. He has also had spells with Liverpool, Bolton, Fenerbahce and Manchester City.

Anelka, who plays alongside his former Chelsea strike-partner Didier Drogba at Shanghai, has scored three times for his current side in 24 matches.

Juventus playmaker Andrea Pirlo believes Chelsea would be “mad” to let Frank Lampard leave but has revealed he would relish the opportunity to link up with the England international.

The 34-year-old’s contract with the reigning European champions runs out in the summer, and his agent has confirmed that he is unlikely to pen a new deal.

And Pirlo, who was allowed to leave Milan on a free transfer before helping Juve to last season’s Serie A title, has expressed disbelief at the Blues’ failure to tie Lampard down.

“They would be mad to let him leave Chelsea,” Pirlo told Tuttosport. “He’s still one of the best in the world.”

“Lampard could have another four years at the top in Italy. If he wants to play in Italy I would welcome him to Juventus with open arms.”

The Chelsea vice-captain joined the club from West Ham for £11m in 2001, and has netted 193 times in 576 appearances since.

Lampard has earned Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup winners’ medals during his time in west London.

Lazio president Claudio Lotito has denied that they are chasing Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard.

The England international looks set to leave the Blues this summer after failing to agree a new deal at Stamford Bridge.

However, Lotito has ruled his club out of the running for the 34-year-old, insisting that they are a club that prizes a collective team spirit above big name individuals.

“We think first of the group and we are a cohesive group,” he told reporters.

“This team does not depend on individuals [such as Lampard]. We do not go back [into the market] for shock effect, but for men.

“We train not only the physical part of the players, but also the mind and spirit. This is a cohesive group that makes me proud.”

Vladimir Petkovic’s side recently reached the semi-final of the Coppa Italia after beating Catania 3-0 and Lotito praised the attitude of the team and believes the side is good enough to win Serie A this season.

“It’s important to show that we are there, this is a team that has proven its worth in terms of attitude and we have the potential to deal with everyone. This Lazio team can compete with Juventus.”

Lazio currently trail Antonio Conte’s side at the top of Serie A by five points at the half-way point of the campaign.

Groningen defender Virgil van Dijk has revealed that Everton are interesting in signing him.

The 21-year-old has been identified as a possible replacement for fellow countryman John Heitinga, whose agent has admitted could leave Goodison Park, and Sylvain Distin, who is being targeted by QPR boss Harry Redknapp.

“I’m aware of the interest of a few clubs and Everton is one of them,” Van Dijk told Voetbal International.

“I hear and read a lot. Soon I have dinner with my agent Henk-Maarten Chin. He will tell me how things are going. I enjoy the interest, but if I leave it must be a good decision when I leave.”

The Netherlands Under-21 international had made 43 appearances in the Eredivisie since his debut in 2011 and has scored five times.

Despite the player’s claims, Groningen director, Hans Nijland, does not believe the young defender will be leaving the club any time soon, as no official approach has been made.

“I don’t expect Virgil will leave. There’s not a single club that officially reported so we don’t feel like talk about this for too long,” he added.