ATALANTA EYE LAZIO MIDFIELDER

The experienced 30-year-old is into his sixth season with the Biancoceleste but after a frustrating time limited to the fringes during the last campaign, the Swiss-born player is reportedly keen to move in search of regular football.

After a close season that saw the departure of several stars from last season's impressive young squad, Atalanta nerves are jangling following the disappointment of the opening day defeat at Bologna.

And the Orobici are likely to have to fend off deadline beating bids for more of their young stars. Juventus are keen to sign Damiano Zenoni but the biggest threat comes from Milan.

The Rossoneri have just sold Francesco Coco to Barcelona and see Atalanta's Italian Under-21 international full back Gianpaolo Bellini as the perfect replacement.

Atalanta are likely to request Gottardi on a loan deal but will face competition from cash hit Fiorentina and Bologna for the player's services.