Zarate only wants Lazio move
by Adam Marshall, 09 July 2008
Lazio remain in pole position to sign Mauro Zarate, despite reported late interest from Middlesbrough and Portsmouth.
Pompey have always denied any interest in the talented Argentinian, who spent the end of last season on loan at Birmingham City, but Al Sadd claim to have more lucrative offers on the table despite a deal being set up with Lazio.
The South American striker wants to be unveiled as a new player at Stadio Olimpico this week and it seems his representatives are hopeful there will be no late hitches.
"Mauro is still here," said Sergio Zarate, his brother and agent in Il Tempo. "He wants [to join] Lazio and remains at Lazio.
"On this, there is no doubt.
"We're only missing the final details that still need to be determined with Al Sadd but this is only a detail."
There is the suspicion that Al Sadd will ask for a higher fee due to the rival offers on the table but Zarate's mind seems set on joining Lazio.