Mattia Cassani's agent has confirmed “Lazio have stepped forward” for the Palermo and Italy full-back.

There were reports this week that the Biancocelesti were preparing a bid for the right-back, who turns 28 in August.

“It's true, Lazio have stepped forward for the player,” confessed agent Tiberio Cavalleri.

Cassani has been at Palermo since 2006 and is a fairly regular pick in Cesare Prandelli's Italy squad.

He represents the ideal replacement for Stephan Lichtsteiner, who is on the verge of a transfer to Juventus.

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