Inter deal for Nesta close to collapse
Nesta's protracted transfer has been held up by the two major protagonists - Juventus and Inter - agreeing between them that they would not pay over £18 million for the Italian international defender.
Although Manchester United would probably be willing to exceed this fee, Nesta prefers to remain in Serie A - but his club's stance may leave him with little option.
Inter stole into the lead in the chase to sign the defender by offering certain players in return, but Lazio have demanded Cristiano Zanetti as part-exchange.
"We are pushing for Cristiano Zanetti," said Lazio supremo Sergio Cragnotti. "Because Lazio must emerge stronger from the sale of Nesta."
However Inter counterpart Massimo Moratti will not agree to this move, stating that he will not bring in players just to let other areas grow weaker.
"For Nesta I will not, and never will, yield Zanetti - who is an important player for us," said Moratti.
"There is no point strengthening one area when you have to weaken somewhere else - it negates the whole point."
With the two sides at loggerheads, Lazio are threatening to take Nesta off the market, although the Manchester United option may also come to the fore.
"The distance is still large between the two clubs' evaluation," said Moratti. "And nothing is changed.
"I can only say that the negotiations will not be dragged out. If we do not get a resolution then Nesta will be staying with us."
Spanish champions Real Madrid, who were strongly linked last week, are continuing monitor the situation and could yet mount a late bid for the Italian.
