Lazio and Hull City ‘to compete’ for Franjo Ivanovic after Espi blow | OneFootball

Lazio and Hull City are eyeing Benfica forward Franjo Ivanovic, with both clubs still in the market for a new centre-forward this summer.

Gazzetta reports that Lazio face competition from Real Betis and Hull for the 22-year-old and, limited by a net-zero restriction, could only propose an initial loan while rivals push to buy outright.

Lazio want an upgrade up front, with none of their forwards surpassing five goals last season. Hull, following Premier League promotion, are aiming to raise the squad’s level.

Both clubs had tracked 21-year-old Carlos Espi after his breakthrough at Levante, but Real Madrid signed the Spaniard in a surprise move.

Ivanovic emerged as a Lazio target earlier this week. The Croatian had limited minutes under Jose Mourinho in his first season in Portugal, used as back-up to Vangelis Pavlidis, and is expected to fall further down the order after Jhon Duran’s arrival.

Source: The Laziali