Belhadj and Kolarov on hold

Lazio are pushing for Portsmouth and Algeria star Nadir Belhadj, who has confirmed his desire to join the Serie A club.

But negotiations have stalled over his transfer fee. Il Corriere dello Sport claims Portsmouth want €4 million (£3.3m) for the stopper, but Lazio have offered just €3m (£2.5m).

President Claudio Lotito and director Igli Tare are ready to engage in further talks and make one final attempt at landing the defender.

It is said the Biancocelesti and Portsmouth could meet halfway on the transfer fee, thus a €3.5m (£2.85m) offer could suffice.

Earlier this week Belhadj confirmed his time with the south coast club was up, and remained hopeful the Aquile deal will break through.

"I know about Lazio's interest, but I don't know where the deal is at. I would like to move to Rome," he said.

"Lazio are an important club that plays in a top-level league. We will see if the deal takes place. One thing is for sure, my adventure with Portsmouth is over." Apparently Inter's Marco Branca claimed to have sealed off the Algeria star transfer.

Meanwhile, Manchester City are believed to have rekindled their interest in Lazio full-back Aleksandar Kolarov, after a potential move to Real Madrid stalled.

The defender has in the past been widely tipped to make a move away from the Stadio Olimpico, following yet another stellar season with the club amidst difficult circumstances.

The Serbia international had previously maintained that La Liga would would suit his style of play better than Serie A, explaining that it is harder to express himself on a football pitch in Italy.

Now The Daily Mail reports that the White House offered only £12 million to acquire the services of the left-back, which is only half of what the Rome-based club expect to make from the sale of the 24-year-old.

The Serbia international is also believed to have told those close to him that he would consider a move to Eastlands if a transfer to Real does not reach fruition.