Lazio confirm Baggio loan switch

The Italian international has been training with Rovers with view to a temporary deal, and manager Graeme Souness was keen to snap up the midfielder.

The arrival of Barry Ferguson, and the assertion from Souness that financial constraints were making a deal for Baggio difficult had cast doubt on the transfer, but it appears a compromise has been found.

"SS Lazio would like to announce that they have come to an agreement with Blackburn Rovers for the temporary transfer of right midfielder Dino Baggio for the 2003/04 season," read a statement from the Serie A club.

Baggio will pile on competition for place in the Rovers midfield, who have been impressive this season, and helped earn a 2-2 draw on Saturday against Chelsea.

Ferguson moved to Ewood Park this week, and many are now speculating which of David Thompson, captain Garry Flitcroft, Tugay, and Steven Reid will give way for the new faces and returning Brett Emerton.