Lazio move for Rivaldo

Rivaldo helped Barcelona to a Champions League spot

Lazio president Sergio Cragnotti has confirmed that the club are to make a move for former World Footballer of the Year Rivaldo.

The Barcelona playmaker has previously stated he will see out his current contract in Spain, which still has one year to run, although it is also likely that he would be tempted to end his spell at the Nou Camp early.

Cragnotti said: "We have wanted Rivaldo for a long time and we hope that this time we will be successful."

But he admitted that any possible deal could face a number of obstacles.

There are no alternatives to Rivaldo

  Sergio Cragnotti, Lazio president

He added: "It is not a question of money but rather a political problem, negotiating with Barcelona is difficult, you are not only dealing with the president but also with the club's shareholders.

"We have no problems from our camp, it's up to the Spanish team to reach a decision."

However Cragnotti wants a prompt reply from Barcelona "whether the outcome is a positive or negative one for Lazio".

The Rome club's chief also admitted he does not have any other players in mind if the Rivaldo deal falls through.

He said: "There are no alternatives to Rivaldo."

The Brazilian's arrival could coincide with the departure of Lazio playmaker Juan Sebastian Veron.

The midfielder could be set for a move to Manchester United or an unnamed Serie A side after he was cleared of falsely obtaining a European Union passport.