Lazio interest in Cosgrove isn’t pizza in the sky
Lazio DO have Sam Cosgrove under consideration. But a move for the Aberdeen striker remains a long shot.
Reports in Italy last week linking the Romans with the 22-year-old prompted the Dons to state they had received no contact about any such interest. However, The Sunday Post understands Cosgrove’s name has been put forward to manager Simone Inzaghi as a potential signing.
Lazio’s sporting director Igil Tare made the recommendation in response to a plea from Inzaghi to his scouts for a physical forward, of six foot-plus in height.
Tare follows the Scottish game and had been impressed by Cosgrove’s form in the Europa League in which he scored six goals in the Aberdeen’s first four games.
At a comparatively reasonable price, he thought he might be an interesting possibility for his club.
The Englishman is not the only name before Inzaghi.
Antonio Sanabria, Andrea Petagna and Giovanni Simeone, three strikers already playing in Italy with Genoa (on loan from Real Betis), SPAL and Fiorentina respectively are others being looked at.
All would look more viable due to their proven Serie A experience.
Perhaps, most importantly, is the fact sources close to the club insist Lazio need to sell before the can buy.
Ecuadorian Felipe Caicedo has been made available for sale. Yet, while there has been interest, no would-be buyer has so far been prepared to meet their asking price of some £7.25 million.
With the Italian transfer window open until September 2, there is still time for a sale to be done.
Even were it to take place, the odds would be on Inzaghi opting for a more conservative choice such as Petagna.
Manuel Pascali, an Italian who played in Scotland with Kilmarnock, says Lazio could do worse than look at Cosgrove.
“I think he would be a good investment for them,” he said.
“He is a player with a great physical presence and an eye for goal.
“Since joining Aberdeen he has kicked on and really imposed himself upon the Scottish game.
“Remember too, this is a player who is still only 22-years-old, so he has plenty time to keep developing.
“I don’t see why he wouldn’t be able to do that in Italy. There are a few young Scots who could do so.”