While going through today’s major news events (been occupied with the Champions League excitement), the Daily Mirror’s report of “Manchester United agree £47m deal for Felipe Anderson, claims Lazio President” caught my attention.
To be honest, I was slightly taken aback. Agreed In the mid-season We usually see a lot of ‘deal agreed’ story almost on a daily basis these days, but the added “claims Lazio President” garnered an extra interest.
Anderson was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United last summer, while the club reportedly had targeted him during the January transfer window as well.
Lazio club chairman Claudio Lotito claims that Manchester United have agreed a deal for the highly rated Brazilian attacking midfielder.
He has allegedly spoken to Calciomercato where he made such bold claims. Take a look at his quotes:
“Felipe Anderson will move to Manchester United next season, for €60million.
“I bought Felipe Anderson for €8million, and I’ve already sold him on for €60million.”
The reason why I referred “allegedly” is – Michele Spiezia, the journalist who covered the report, has claimed that he has spoken to the Lazio chairman over telephone, but the Serie A club have categorically denied, via an official statement.
It is pretty obvious. Why would a club make such statements during the middle of a season Even if, there’s a deal in place, the club would not risk public backlash by leaking such stories.
Lazio have released a statement, where they claim such reports are “devoid of foundation”. And rightly so. United fans have no reasons to get excited over at the moment, but it is highly possible that the Red Devils may have been working secretly to secure a deal for the highly rated Brazilian.