Lazio get Lequi

S.S. Lazio have signed the highly-rated Argentinian central defender Matías Lequi on a free transfer.

Three-year deal
The 23-year-old former CA River Plate player was expected to join the Biancocelesti last week before talks with his Paraguayan side Club Cerro Porteño stalled. However, an agreement between the two clubs was reached last night and Lequi, who spent last season on loan at Club Atlético de Madrid, has signed a three-year deal with Mimmo Caso's side.

'Really happy'
"I'm really happy to finally be a Lazio player," he said. "I thank the club and the president for the determination they showed in signing me." Lequi is ineligible to play in the UEFA Cup first round second-leg match against FC Metalurh Donetsk on 30 September as he missed the registration deadline. Lazio won the first leg 3-0 in Ukraine.