Biancocelesti fill non-EU spot with Colombian striker.
Lazio are unlikely to reach a deal to sign Galatasaray striker Burak Yilmaz before the transfer deadline, after reports in Italy claim talks have broken down.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the move for the Turkish international appears to be off after the Serie A outfit signed Colombian striker Brayan Perea.
By doing so, the capital club have filled their non-EU spot in the squad, and must now loan out Perea if they are still interested in signing Yilmaz.
The 28-year-old appeared to be closing in on a move to Italy, with speculation in the Italian media suggesting an agreement was imminent.
However, Perea’s contract has now officially been registered on the Lega Serie A site, and would therefore rule out a move for Yilmaz for now.
With just hours left in the transfer window it is difficult to see how the Biancocelesti can now sign Yilmaz, with Galatasaray counsellor Sukru Ergun telling Eurosport.tr that the club would not accept any bids under €18m.
It is understood that Lazio are not willing to offer more than €15m, which could in turn have led to their decision to sign Perea.
They could still conceivably loan the Colombian out in time to make one final assault for Yilmaz, although at this stage it would appear that Galatasaray and not willing to lower their valuation and the player could remain in Turkey this season.
If confirmed, it will come as a huge disappointment for Lazio boss Vladiimir Petkovic, who would have hoped for attacking reinforcements to lessen the pressure on veteran striker Miroslav Klose. It is understood that he could now switch his attention to Juventus striker Fabio Quagliarella.
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