Lazio & Hull City to Compete for Another Striker After Espi Letdown

Lazio have familiar company in the race for Franjo Ivanovic, as Hull City are reportedly interested in the Croatian bomber.

Lazio & Hull City Seeking a New Striker

This summer, both clubs have been scanning the market for a new centre-forward. The Biancocelesti need an upgrade on their current options, as none of their players managed to surpass the five-goal threshold last season. On the other hand, the Tigers need to raise the level of their squad after their Premier League promotion.

The Carlos Aspi Saga

Interestingly, Lazio and Hull’s plans have been interlocking. Both sides were tracking Carlos Espi, a 21-year-old centre-forward who enjoyed a breakthrough campaign at Levante. However, the duo were swept aside as Real Madrid pulled off an out-of-the-blue coup by signing the young Spaniard.

Lazio Monitoring Franjo Ivanovic

Earlier this week, Benfica’s Ivanovic emerged as the Aquile’s latest target. The 22-year-old had limited playing time under Jose Mourinho in first season in Portuguese football, as he was used as a backup for Vangelis Pavlidis. Unfortunately for the Croatian, he’s expected to fall further down the pecking order this season, as the Portuguese giants have recently acquired a new attacker in Jhon Duran.

Hull City Join Lazio in Ivanovic Race

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), recruiting Ivanovic remains a daunting quest for Lazio, as they’re facing stiff competition from Real Betis, as well as Hull, who are also tracking the Schwaz native.

Tough Task for Lazio

The pink newspaper also reveals how the Biancocelesti are at a disadvantage, as they’re only able to sign the Benfica man on an initial loan, whereas the player’s other suitors will try to buy him outright. This summer, Lazio are being impeded by the net-zero restriction, meaning that the club can only spend on new signings through freshly generated transfer funds.