Lazio’s president Claudio Lotito has put a £12.5 million price tag on Liverpool target Keita Balde Diao, as suggested by the player’s agent, with the Daily Mirror reporting the news.
Liverpool are keen on the young striker, and the Reds have reportedly sent scouts to keep an eye on the forward this season.
The Senegalese striker has scored four goals in his 16 Serie A appearances for the Italian club, having signed for them for only £250,000 in 2011.
Lazio are interested in offering the player a new contract this season, hoping to tie him to the club for the long term, but the side are willing to accept a big money move for the player from abroad.
Ulisse Savini, the player’s agent, even went as far as to suggest that no other domestic sides could afford Diao’s signature, given the high price that Lazio want for the player.
Savini said: “If he was to leave Lazio, we will never find a club in Italy that will buy him, assuming the important figures that Claudio Lotito would ask for.
“How much is he worth? If a say a price Lotito will contradict me. But at present, according to my judgment, he cannot be worth less than €15million (£12.5 million).
“I think Keita would be fine with a future in English football. I think that it is much better there than in Germany, for example.
“We have a contract until 2017. It is obvious in the football business around the world that it is normal to receive attention from some foreign teams every weekend.
“I honestly do not know what will happen in a year, but it is clear that the boy cannot continue to have this contract.
“But I have also learned not to be in a hurry. Previous experiences with Lazio have taught me you must be patient.
“There will be availability and a desire from both parties to sit at the table. It is just a matter of timing and I do not think that will be a problem.”
Manchester City are also thought to have taken an interest in him in the past.
