Football Italia
·6 May 2024
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·6 May 2024
The agent representing goalkeeper Christos Mandas confirms ‘interest from abroad’ after Manchester City reports and warns Lazio need to ‘review’ his contract.
The shot-stopper was picked up on transfer deadline day in September 2023 for €1.3m from OFI Crete and was originally brought in as their third choice.
However, with Ivan Provedel spraining his ankle and Luigi Sepe not at 100 per cent, new coach Igor Tudor opted to give Mandas the gloves.
He has impressed when called upon with four clean sheets in eight Serie A games and it was rumoured over the last few days that Manchester City had made an approach.
“We need to sit down and talk to Lazio about reviewing the contract, because it was all done very quickly and with the idea that he was the third choice goalkeeper,” agent Diego Tavano told Sky Sport Italia.
“Now is second choice, but has already proved he can stand in for Provedel. We will certainly need to discuss it. There is also interest from abroad and we’ll talk about it to the club.
“I don’t think that President Claudio Lotito will hold back for the renewal and might even propose an extension of the contract for a talent who was signed at a very accessible price.”
The agent describes Mandas and seems to outline why Pep Guardiola and Manchester City have been keeping an eye on the 22-year-old talent.
“He is very reactive as a goalkeeper, sees this sport as an obsession and wants to become one of the best in the world. I think that predisposition can make the difference.
“He is also good with his feet and gets involved in playing out from the back. Lazio must be thanked for giving him this opportunity and he is responding well.”
Would Mandas be prepared to remain at Lazio as understudy to Provedel next season?
“He is so focused that he could even accept that. We’ll talk to the club soon regardless about what his future could be.”