Lazio confirm Mendieta switch

Lazio today announced the completion of Gaizka Mendieta's transfer from Valencia.

Mendieta put pen to paper on a pre-contract agreement yesterday in Valencia and will be introduced to the media tomorrow at the club's training ground in Rome as the Italian giants continue the rebuilding of their squad.

Juan Sebastian Veron and Pavel Nedved were last week sold to Manchester United and Juventus, respectively.

Reports in Italy say Lazio paid £28 million for the Spanish international.

"Gaizka Mendieta has finalised his contract with Lazio," the club said on their official website.

"Today the midfielder should be in Rome to sign the contract."Mendieta is not the only new face to arrive at the Stadio Olimpico with the club expected to announce the arrival of Atletico Madrid striker Kiko on a free transfer.

The former Spanish international has struggled for goals and fitness over the last two seasons, but Lazio are prepared to gamble on a player who possesses the strength and technical ability to make an impact.

Lazio have also brought in Udinese's Italian internationals Giuliano Giannichedda and Stefano Fiore to bolster their midfield.

Club owner and president Sergio Cragnotti signed the pair last summer but allowed the players to remain in Udine to get more experience with Veron and Nedved pencilled in as starters.Fiore was one of Italy's Euro 2000 shining lights, deployed in an attacking-midfield role.

Giannichedda is able to fill several defensive and midfield roles.

The acquisitions explain why Lazio were willing to part with two of their established stars Veron and Nedved.

Lazio are also hoping to complete a major transfer coup by capturing Parma's Fabio Cannavaro, who has already formed an impressive partnership with Alessandro Nesta for the national side.

The Rome-based club are willing to offer young starlet Roberto Baronio and striker Simone Inzaghi, plus cash, for the stylish centre-back.