BENFICA TARGET DE LA PENA

According to reports in Portugal, Benfica are keen on signing the former Barcelona ace and have met Lazio officials to discuss a possible deal.

The 26-year-old midfield maestro, who was rated as one of the most promising prospects in Spain during his time at Barcelona, has found himself out-of-favour at Stadio Olimpico.

De la Pena, nicknamed 'Little Buddha' would be keen on a move to get his career back on track having spent last season on loan at Barca and Lazio would be willing to cash in on the player in bid to raise funds for strengthening other areas of the squad.

Lazio are reported to be looking to be given first option on signing Benfica's highly-rated trio of goalkeeper Robert Henke, central defender Fernando Meira and striker Pedro Mantorras as part of any deal.

The two clubs enjoy a successful working relationship with Emanuele Pesaresi leaving Lazio to join Benfica, and Karel Poborsky going the opposite way in the past few seasons.