Sports News of Thursday, 14 May 2015
Source: goal.com
Italian heavyweights set to offer Black Star a way out of Schalke nightmare
SS Lazio are believed to be planning a summer move for Schalke 04’s Ghana midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng.
The Black Star’s time at the Veltins-Arena looks to have come to an end with the relationship between player and club having broken down completely.
Boateng and teammate Sidney Sam were suspended indefinitely by Schalke sporting director Horst Heldt earlier this week as a ‘consequence’ of the Royal Blues’ 2-0 away defeat to Koln in the Bundesliga.
While initial reports suggested that the pair had been released, this was confirmed as a mistranslation by the German club, and while Boateng’s contract has not been cancelled, he is unlikely to play any further role in Schalke’s Bundesliga campaign.
Indeed, it’s hard to seem him feature for the German side ever again after the club admitted there was a "lack of mutual trust" and it is expected that the temperamental midfielder will be leaving Gelsenkirchen this summer.
He is unlikely to have a shortage of suitors, and while New York Red Bulls have ruled themselves out of a move for the player, it is reported that Lazio are keen on rescuing the West African over the coming months.
According to Tuttosport and the Corriere della Sera, the Biancocelesti’s director and former player Igil Tare has made an offer for the Black Star.
The club were linked with the player back in 2010, but a move fell through, however, they will be confident that they are in a strong position to secure his services this time around.
According to Football Italia, the club have offered Boateng a €2.2m-per-year deal, and are looking to tie the former Tottenham Hotspur man down to a four-year deal.
The 28-year-old enjoyed arguably some of his best years in Italy, during his time with AC Milan, but recently confirmed that he was not looking to return to Serie A.
However, following his fall-out with Schalke and New York RB distancing themselves from the player, Boateng may have to consider Lazio’s generous offer.