Lamela seals Roma switch - Midfield talent joins trio of new signings

Posted Sunday, July 10, 2011 by skysports.com

Lamela seals Roma switch - Midfield talent joins trio of new signings
Lamela: Has been confirmed as Roma's new signing from relegated River Plate

Relegated Argentine giants River Plate have been forced to sell highly-rated teenager Erik Lamela to Roma for around €20 million (£17.7m).

The 19-year-old midfielder who reportedly attracted interest from Liverpool, Tottenham and Barcelona, has penned a five-year deal with the Serie A side worth €1.5million (£1.3m) according to Italian news agency ANSA.

River Plate president Daniel Passarella also confirmed Lamela's exit.

Lamela, who featured 36 times for Los Millonarios, scored four goals in a season which saw the most successful club in the history of the Argentine game relegated to the second tier for the first time ever.

The club is desperately trying to off-load players in a bid to raise funds as it faces a growing financial crisis.

Lamela becomes the fourth signing made by Roma since the club were taken over by Italian-American businessman Thomas DiBenedetto.

New recruits to the Italian capital include Spanish full-back Jose Angel from Sporting Gijon, Nantes defender Loic Nego and Barcelona striker Bojan Krkic.