[dukeofdavinci]

Lazio to lure Ze Maria? Monday 10 September, 2007

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Veteran ex-Inter defender Jose Ze Maria is reportedly a target for Lazio and has admitted he would jump at the chance to join the Biancocelesti.

The 34-year-old is a free agent after ending a one-year contract with La Liga side Levante this summer and Lazio are keeping a close eye on him, according to Italian Press reports.

“I read the speculation in the newspapers and it made me smile,” the Brazilian told Piazzadellaliberta.it.

“But there’s a big difference between words on paper and an actual move. Nobody from Lazio has been in contact with me.”

Ze Maria is certainly no stranger to the peninsula having spent six years at Perugia and he only left Inter in 2006 after two seasons and 30 games with the Nerazzurri.

Lazio transfer guru Walter Sabatini offered his resignation following a poor summer transfer campaign which saw them fail to secure a replacement for retired goalkeeper Angelo Peruzzi.

However, he was convinced to carry on in the role and has tried to make amends by targeting free agents such as ageing hitman Fabio Vignaroli, who joined from Bari last week.

“I’ve known Sabatini for a long time and I know how he works,” Ze Maria continued.

“He is a great professional and if he called me and the offer was right I would be happy to accept.

“I want to sign for a new club and start training again before next week. I’ve had lots of offers from various countries, but we will wait and see.”

lazio looking in to new recruits after the dead linewhat a comedy.