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Viola eye Maxi Rodriguez Tuesday 7 August, 2007

Reports in Spain suggest that Fiorentina are lining up a £13m bid for Atletico Madrid midfielder Maxi Rodriguez.

The Colchoneros’ captain rose to prominence after scoring an impressive goal for Argentina against Mexico in last year’s World Cup.

He has been targeted by sporting director Pantaleo Corvino, who is planning to close the transfer window with a major signing and had already offered £10m.

According to AS, the Gigliati have been following Rodriguez for a while and are now ready to fax a £13m bid to Atletico Madrid after they rejected the first offer.

Things might not be that simple though, as the Liga club is not keen on letting another key player leave after Fernando Torres’ move to Liverpool.

Another obstacle is his salary, as the Viola have offered a contract worth £1m a season which is less than the midfielder’s current wage.

Rodriguez, a reported target for Inter last year, might therefore extend his stay in Spain, while Fiorentina could opt for Chievo’s Victor Obinna.

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