Tuesday, 18th March, 2014
The agent of Lazio sensation Keita Balde Diao has insisted that his client must have an improved contract due to his performances for the Serie A giants, while stressing the forward's future may well be in England.
Keita has been watched by Manchester City and Liverpool this season, the youngster starting to make good on the potential which was signposted in the youth ranks at Barcelona before his move to Italy and Lazio in 2011.
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And good performances should mean an increase in salary, agent Ulisse Savini has suggested, while stressing he is in no mood to rush negotiations.
"We have a contract until 2017, it is obvious in the football business around the world that it is normal to receive the attentions of some foreign teams every weekend", he explained to Radiosei.
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"I honestly do not know what will happen in a year, but it is clear that the boy cannot continue to have this contract. But I have also learned not to be in a hurry. Previous experience with Lazio has shown me that you must have patience.
"There will be availability and pleasure from both sides to sit at the table. It is just a matter of timing and I do not think that will be a problem."
Savini also suggested that Keita simply cannot move to another club within Italy, due to the asking price his performances have now generated.
And England is the most likely destination for the 19-year-old, feels Savini.
"If he were to leave Lazio, we will never find a club in Italy that will buy him, assuming the important figures that [Lazio president Claudio] Lotito would ask for.
"How much is he worth? If I say a price, Lotito will contradict me. But at present, according to my judgement, he cannot be worth less than €15m.
"I think that Keita would be fine with a future in English football. I think that it is much better there than in Germany, for example."
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