That Lazio are interested in Southampton’s Jordy Clasie isn’t anything new.
What is new, however, is the fact the Serie A club appears to have bumped the Dutch midfielder to the top of their list of potential replacements for Lucas Biglia should the Argentina international leave for AC Milan.
The former number one was Middlesbrough’s Marten de Roon, but his price tag appears to have scared off the Serie A side, with Jordy Clasie a more attainable target, according to Il Messaggero.
The Italian newspaper reveals on Wednesday that the Southampton midfielder would be available on a loan with an option to buy for €10m, which Lazio see as far more reasonable than the €13m Boro want for their own Dutchman.
If that is the case, then this means the Saints have decided to take a loss on the 25-year-old, having bought him from Feyenoord for close to £13m back in 2015.
Once dubbed the ‘Dutch Xavi’, the Dutch midfielder hasn’t exactly lived up those expectations, seeing his path to regular first-team football blocked by the likes of Steven Davis and Oriol Romeu.
Despite making 49 appearances in two seasons at St Mary’s, Clasie has managed just two goals and one assist during his time in England.
A lot will rest on Southampton’s next manager, but if the Dutchman doesn’t fall into his plans, it might indeed be time for the club to cut their losses.
