ANDERSON NOT LEAVING LAZIO FOR MAN UNITED

Manchester United summer transfer target Felipe Anderson, says he will not be leaving his current club, Lazio as the season ends.

The Red Devils have been trying to sign the Lazio star since last summer and reportedly opened talks on a deal in March.

According to reports, United are willing to pay up to £39m to land Anderson but he looks set to stay at Lazio – at least until 2017. The winger’s sister and agent Juliana Gomes said:
“My brother won’t be leaving Rome during next summer.”

Anderson, under contract at the Stadio Olimpico until 2020, has struggled to reach the highs of last season scoring just seven times and providing four assists. The Brazilian had been a prime candidate for a summer exit after failure to qualify for the Europa League. It was reported that Lazio snubbed a £37.6m (€50m) offer last summer and sporting director Igli Tare has previously admitted that could have been an error.

“Yes, it could’ve been a mistake not to sell anyone, but I can say that the idea to refuse €50m (£37.6m) for Felipe Anderson was because we strongly wanted to give consistency to this project,” Tare said.

In March, Anderson played down speculation linking him with a move to Old Trafford.

“There’s nothing concrete,” Anderson said.

“They are rumours that circulate in the newspapers.

The talented player who just turned 23 and this season contributed nine goals and five assists in 45 competitive games added:

“The often write about my possible departure but I’m staying here.”

Manchester United hoped to add the player as reinforcements ahead of their campaign next season especially after missing a second successive UEFA champions League qualification, making the second in three years. They are currently sixth in the Premier League log and hope to move up after their last game against AFC Bournemouth.