Rolando Bianchi - won't stay with Lazio

[Forza_Roma]

He would do well at Napoli. He was one of the best players in Serie A this season.

[Aladino]

Yeha I rather have him at Napoli than at juve. then maybe another good season, and maybe Milan will try and get him.

[D-Kin]

Reggina revelation Rolando Bianchi has spoken of his excitement at a possible move to Napoli.

After stunning the world of calcio with an 18-goal haul last term, the 24-year-old became a wanted man, with Juventus reportedly ready to challenge the Partenopei for his signature.

Bianchi delayed any decsion over his future while he went on holiday, prompting Press rumours that he had snubbed the Vesuviani’s advances, but is now back and keen to set the record straight.

“I read in lots of places that I wanted to join Juventus and that Napoli was just a fall-back option, but that’s not true at all” the ex-Atalanta youth explained.

“I’m not mad so I never thought about refusing the offer as it is a huge opportunity for me. I just haven’t had any direct contact with Napoli or Reggina – that’s why we have agents.”

Although no figure has officially been announced, the fee is expected to be somewhere in the region of £8m with the striker committing to the Stadio San Paolo for four years.

channel4.com - Football Italia

[D-Kin]

Bianchi would consider moving abroad.
channel4.com - Football Italia

[D-Kin]

It looks like he's off to Man City.

Manchester City have agreed a fee with Reggina for marksman Rolando Bianchi and the move is set to be completed on Wednesday.

The ex-Atalanta striker rose from obscurity to write his name on several Serie A shopping lists after firing the Calabrian minnows to top-flight survival last term with 18 goals.

A summer move was inevitable with Juventus and Napoli both allegedly lining up a swoop, but now it seems Bianchi is ready to ply his trade abroad and Manchester City are set to pounce.

New City boss Sven Goran Eriksson is an admirer of the 24-year-old and has encouraged the club’s owner Thaksin Shinawatra to table an offer of just under £9m with payment in three annual installments.

"We have reached a preliminary agreement with Manchester City for a transfer fee of £8.8m," Reggina President Pasquale Foti confirmed.

It had been suggested that Bianchi would favour a move to Spain with Atletico Madrid in the frame, but the La Liga side are yet to make any approach.

Messina’s Christian Rigano’ may be the former Atalanta ace's replacement at the Stadio Granillo.

The 33-year-old is keen to quit the Biancoscudati and has also been linked to Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg who are led by ex-Azzurri tactician Giovanni Trapattoni.

channel4.com - Football Italia

[Mighty T.A.L.]

I don't think he will be the last Eriksson will sign from Italy.

[D-Kin]

Yeah, you're probably right there.

I wonder if Corradi will be included in the deal? I mean he wants a move back to Itay and Reggina need a new striker.

[Forza_Roma]

Wow...8.8m. Not bad. He was Italy top youngsters and had a fantastic season. Hope he does well in England. He may get a recall with the Azzurri if he continues to bang in goals.

[D-Kin]

I'd rather an Italian club took a gamble on him to be honest, I don't want him to end up like Corradi.

[D-Kin]

Talks are continuing with Man City.
channel4.com - Football Italia

[kennethlindheim]

I don't think another italian striker is what Man City need. We all know what happened to Corradi. Signing italian strikers to EPL is a risk it seems. Other than Zola and Vialli they have all been shite.

[D-Kin]

Originally Posted by kennethlindheim

I don't think another italian striker is what Man City need. We all know what happened to Corradi. Signing italian strikers to EPL is a risk it seems. Other than Zola and Vialli they have all been shite.

Who else has there been though? Casiraghi got a career ending injury so he doesn't count. Maccarone maybe....

Say what you want about Corradi but he's never been a prolific goalscorer (he's averaged a goal every three games throughout the best part of his career) and the fact that he played for a Man City team that was incredibly inept going forward didn't help.

However, you can't compare Bianchi to Corradi.

[Aladino]

THe fact that Biianchi didn't train todya must mean he is going! I would prefer that he stays in Italy! But i hope he does well. As mentione above, we don't wnat another corradi situation. But i wish him the best of luck

[Aladino]

Calcio: Manchester City, Bianchi ha fatto le visite mediche
Indice Ultim'ora

MANCHESTER - Sempre piu' imminente il passaggio ufficiale di Rolando Bianchi al Manchester City. L'attaccante della Reggina ha sostenuto oggi le visite mediche presso la societa' inglese. Lo ha annunciato lo stesso club britannico

Bianchi has finished his medical with Man City

[D-Kin]

It's official, he's signed for Man City for £8.8m.
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