Progress is slow as Boateng appears a lost cause

If you were hoping that the signing of Mark Bresciano might signal a new dawn for Lazio's mercato then you may find yourself disappointed with the latest news.

Today's main development is that primary transfer target, Kevin Prince Boateng, looks set to join Genoa with talks said to be at an advanced stage. It is a severe blow to the plans of president Claudio Lotito as the German-born Ghanaian international was rumoured to be on his way to Rome in recent days.

The search for midfield alternatives may lead us to speak with Reggina's Carlos Carmona when he returns to Italy next week.

As for Lazio's attacking options, the names of Pablo Barrera, Hernanes and Ederson remain in the hat in light of the uncertainty surrounding the future of Pasquale Foggia. However, the FIGC's decision to cut the number of non-EU players allowed to enter Lazio from two to one forces the club into making a definitive decision. If Pablo Pintos is made official, the aforementioned names are no longer possibilities under the revised regulations. Presumably, that is the exact reason why the right-sided Uruguayan has yet to sign for the club.

Funds may also be limited. Co-ownership deals are said to be on the table for Parma left-back, Luca Antonelli and Empoli forward, Eder. In the case of the former, Cribari has been offered as a sweetener but the Crociati are seeking out Diakité and a probable sum of three million euros. This deal would become very feasible if Kolarov's proposed move to Manchester City is completed. As it stands, that move is in the balance.

Nearer to finalisation is Juan Pablo Carrizo's loan move back to River Plate. It appears that financial compensation has been settled and all that remains is for the Argentine to put pen to paper. It is unlikely that the much maligned goalkeeper will be missed by the majority of fans in the wake of Fernando Muslera's antics in South Africa.