Currently seventh in Serie A, Lazio still have a good chance of qualifying for a European competition under Maurizio Sarri, as they are just two points behind local rivals AS Roma and Atalanta.
The Bergamo side do have a game in hand, however, which they could win, but the gist of it is, the Italian’s first season in charge has been a mixed bag.
Reinforcements will be needed and asked for this summer if he remains in charge, including a player from Watford.
That man is Nicolas N’Koulou, who would be a free transfer unless he renews with the Hornets, since his contract at Vicarage Road expires in the summer.
Signed for the season by Watford on a free transfer, the Cameroon international has hardly played, making just three appearances, none of which have come under Roy Hodgson, mostly because he’s been injured.
Claudio Ranieri was the one who vouched for the now 31-year-old, who made his last appearance in the 4-1 win over Manchester United, and a return to Italy, a country he knows well from his time with Torino, could be on the cards.
Corriere dello Sport explain that, ‘in the last few hours’, his name and that of Federico Bernardeschi ‘have sprung up’ as potential signings for Sarri.
They point out this could have happened because ‘he was only offered’, meaning the interest might not be there and an intermediary might have just been doing his job by trying to create some.
Either way, they’ll now know that the Watford man is likely available as an emergency option going forward.
