Lazio buy full rights for Candreva; defender to join from Udinese
Lazio have bought the full rights of midfielder Antonio Candreva from Udinese for an undisclosed fee, the Rome club announced on Tuesday.
Candreva joined Lazio on loan from Udinese in 2012, with the two clubs owning 50 per cent of his sporting rights.
The 27-year-old, who is under contract with the Eternal City outfit until June 2018, scored 12 goals and set up another six to help the Biancoceleste finish ninth in Serie A in the 2013-14 campaign.
A statement from Lazio read: "S.S. Lazio announces it has resolved in its favour the co-ownership of player Antonio Candreva."
Candreva, who is currently on World Cup duty in Brazil with Italy, has been linked with a move away from the Stadio Olimpico after a strong season at Lazio.
Reports in Italy claim Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus were among the clubs keen to acquire his services this summer.
However, Lazio president Claudio Lotito ruled out that possibility this week by stating the player is not for sale.
Lazio also announced on Tuesday they have reached an agreement to sign Serbian right-back Dusan Basta from Udinese.
The statement said: "The club wishes to confirm that in the next few days we will announce the acquisition of player Dusan Basta."
The 29-year-old Basta made 30 league appearances for Udinese last season and was under contract with the Friuli outfit for a further two years.
