Esposito set for Basel

AS Saint-Etienne midfield player Antonio Esposito has signed a two-year contract with FC Basel, although the two clubs have yet to reach a final agreement on the terms of the transfer.

Ineligible for action
Basel, the Swiss double winners, have signed the 29-year-old to strengthen their squad ahead of their upcoming UEFA Champions League qualification matches, although he will remain ineligible for action until the transfer details are finalised.

Capped five times
Esposito, capped five times by Switzerland, played in a practice match yesterday against third division FC Wangen, which finished in a 2-2 draw.

'Basel can achieve something'
He said: "For me, FC Basel is currently the only Swiss club who can achieve something at international level. Furthermore, I know head coach Christian Gross very well from my time spent at Grasshopper-Club with him."

Spell in Italy
Between 1990 and 2000, Esposito played first for FC Lugano and then as team captain at Grasshoppers. He was then transferred to Cagliari Calcio in the Italian Serie B before moving to St Etienne last year where he played in the French second division.