Lazio ‘close to agreeing’ terms for Brighton defender Diego Coppola | OneFootball

Lazio are close to agreeing personal terms with Brighton defender Diego Coppola, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, with an agreement in principle reported with his representatives.

The Biancocelesti need at least one centre-back, with Alessio Romagnoli finalising a move to Al-Sadd in the coming days and Mario Gila targeted by Napoli. Left-footed Oliver Provstgaard could be promoted, so a right-footed partner is being sought.

New head coach Gennaro Gattuso has approved the pursuit. He prefers Sergi Dominguez, but the club have progressed further with Coppola, considered the more attainable option.

Personal terms are said to be a five-year deal worth €1.5 million per season plus bonuses.

The main obstacle is a fee, with Brighton valuing Coppola at €11-12 million and Lazio pushing for less. Talks could follow in the coming days or weeks to bridge the gap.

Coppola, 22, came through Hellas Verona and became a regular before joining the Seagulls last summer. Short of minutes in the first half, he joined Paris FC on loan in January, making 13 Ligue 1 appearances and providing two assists.

Source: The Laziali