24 April 2007, by Sean Gillen

Tiago weighs up Italian move

Midfielder admits Lyon have eye on Quaresma and Pepe

Portuguese midfielder Tiago has hinted that he may be ready for a summer transfer away from French champions Lyon, despite being offered a new contract by the club.

The former Benfica man has been at the Stade Gerland for two seasons following a 2005 switch from Premiership side Chelsea, but Tiago has now revealed that he is considering a move to a bigger club.

“It’s true that the Lyon board have shown an interest in renewing my contract,” he told Portuguese paper O Jogo. “My agent’s dealing with everything. I’m calm and am in no rush.”

Tiago’s form for Lyon in recent seasons, particularly in the Champions League, is believed to have caught the eye of some of Italy’s biggest sides. AC Milan have long been credited with an interest in the midfielder, while Juventus are now believed to want Tiago for their return to Serie A next season.

“It’s obvious that I have ambition and of course if a big club comes in for me I’ll have to weigh things up,” he said.

Meanwhile, Lyon are just one of several clubs following Porto duo Ricardo Quaresma and Pepe. The likes of Chelsea, Real Madrid and Fiorentina have been linked with Pepe, while Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid are thought to be possible destinations for Quaresma.

When asked about the possibility of the pair joining him at Lyon, Tiago said: “It’s true that Pepe and Quaresma interest Lyon. I know that because I talk to the board members and coaches and I know they are with their eyes open.”

“Of course I’d love to have them here as team-mates, especially given the quality of their play. But I don’t know if Lyon will contract them, or even if the players are interested in coming here, but it’s a fact that Lyon are interested and I’m sure they would help us a lot, without any doubt.”