Middlesbrough tracking Mendieta
Lazio’s Gaizka Mendieta is mulling over three offers from clubs outside of Serie A, his agent confirmed on Wednesday morning.
The Spanish international midfielder, whose star has waned since his move from Valencia to Rome two years ago, is being targeted by English Premiership side Middlesbrough although he could return to Spain to play for Atletico Madrid.
He was on the substitutes’ bench but did not play for Lazio in their 3-1 Champions League qualifying win over Benfica on Wednesday night.
Alberto Toldra, Mendieta’s agent, told PA International in a telephone interview from Valencia:
“There is an offer from Middlesbrough for the transfer of Mendieta. Mendieta has spoken to the Middlesbrough coach, Steve McClaren.
“The clubs have already spoken so there is an agreement. What remains is for Mendieta to decide where he wants to play.
“At the moment, Mendieta has three offers on the table. There are two Spanish clubs who have also made an offer. One of them is Atletico Madrid.”
The identity of the third interested club has not yet been revealed.
Mendieta, the attacking midfielder who played a huge role in Valencia’s back-to-back appearances in the Champions League finals, has continued to play for his country despite his woeful form in Serie A.
At Lazio, he was ushered in in a £30m (€42.6m) transfer from the Mestalla stadium outfit following the departure of Juan Sebastian Veron to Manchester United.
His form, and Lazio’s perilous financial state, have made him expendable.
Mendieta, his agent says, would have no problem playing in the English Premiership.
“He wouldn’t have a problem because he has seen they (Middlesbrough) are serious people and they have kept their word on everything they have said so far,” said Toldra.
“The three clubs are obviously aware of what Mendieta’s conditions are.”
Mendieta recently accepted a wage cut in exchange for a contract extension at Lazio.
