Hull City Make a Move on Spanish Striker Wanted at Lazio | OneFootball

Lazio are facing stiff competition in the race for Levante centre-forward Carlos Espi, as Hull City have reportedly joined the fray.

Lazio’s Attacking Options

The Biancocelesti are currently tracking several strikers, as Gennaro Gattuso is keen to add firepower to his ranks in the hopes of improving last season’s feeble attacking stats. Fiorentina’s Roberto Piccoli, Sassuolo’s Andrea Pinamonti, AC Milan’s Santi Gimenez, and Fluminense’s John Kennedy have been the most circulating names in the news, while Espi has recently emerged as a potential target.

Lazio Added Carlos Espi to Striker Shortlist

The Towering Spaniard is a Levante youth product who played an instrumental role in helping the club avoid relegation to the second division last season. He scored 11 goals in LaLiga, including some deciding strikes towards the end of the campaign.

Levante Want Espi’s Release Clause

According to Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla, the Spanish club isn’t willing to negotiate a deal for Espi, so any suitor who wishes to sign him must activate his €25 million release clause. Therefore, the source believes Lazio’s chances of luring the player to Rome are slim, especially with the club restricted to a zero-net transfer market.

Hull City Leading the Race for Espi

Pedulla also reveals keen interest from Hull, who have made significant moves in recent hours. Bologna were also in the race, but they’re expected to be blown away by the Tigers, who can count on their superior finances after climbing their way back to the Premier League. Therefore, Lazio will likely have to search elsewhere, as recruiting Espi appears to be a tall order.