Italy: Manuel da Costa and Tiago set for summer moves

Portuguese duo look to kick-start their careers

Two Portuguese players in Italy look set for close-season moves after enduring disappointing 2007/08 campaigns.

The Italian press claim Fiorentina’s Manuel da Costa is wanted by Sampdoria on a season-long loan, while Portugal international Tiago could be about to return to France after failing to make a breakthrough at Juventus.

Rumours are circulating about a hypothetical transfer of central defender Manuel Da Costa to Sampdoria.

Fiorentina’s General Manager, Pantaleo Corvino, has denied any bid has been made, but according to sources near Sampdoria, negotiations have started and there is a chance the club will sign him on a one-year loan.

Da Costa was signed by Fiorentina from Dutch club PSV Eindhoven for a hefty transfer fee last January but never played for the Serie A outfit.

Tiago France return?

Meanwhile, according to L'Equipe, Monaco’s president Jerome de Bontin will meet with the Juventus’ general manager Jean-Claude Blanc with a view to purchasing midfielder Tiago Mendes.

Former Benfica and Chelsea midfielder Tiago enjoyed his best playing days in France, where he won two successive French championships with Lyon.

“He has a mental block,” said Juventus’ president Cobolli Gigli about the Portuguese’s failure to adapt to the Italian giants. “A split is the best thing, although I consider Tiago a great player.”