Since Stefano Pioli’s appointment has become official, the new Lazio tactician has been working closely with Lotito and Tare on the transfer market. Pioli has reportedly ask for Panagiotis Kone of Bologna and Sebastian De Maio of Genoa. Both players have in recent times already been linked with switches to the Biancocelesti.

Panagiotis Kone is the latest midfielder to be linked to a Lazio switch and as Pioli coached him last season at Bologna, the rumours seem to be picking up pace. Pioli has stated he wants to create a proactive and dynamic Lazio with character, and the Greek international’s name is the first name on his list.

Following Bologna’s recent relegation and their economic situation, the Rossoblu will be looking to cash in on their prized possessions and Kone will be one of them. The Rossoblu will ask for approximately € 6-7 million as his contract expires in 2017, but may be willing to let him go for a bit less if a deal can be struck quickly. However, Kone is currently at the World Cup with the Greek national team so that could hold up negotiations.

Another player that Lotito and Tare have been following is Genoa’s central defender Sebastian De Maio. Pioli has also approved of this player and there has already been swift contact between the two club presidents, Lotito and Enrico Preziosi.

It is worth noting that the two presidents have a good friendship with one another and that several transfers have occurred between the clubs in recent years. Giuseppe Sculli is currently on loan at the Ligurian based club and will very likely be redeemed by Preziosi so there is the possibility of using him in the negotiations. Mikael Ciani and Diego Novaretti have also be linked with moves away from Lazio in the past few days, and some reporters are suggesting that one of the two could be used to persuade Preziosi into giving up De Maio to Lotito.