Italian champions Lazio have signed Argentinian striker Hernan Crespo from Serie A rivals Parma in a record-breaking deal worth #35.7million.

The transfer's valuation exceeds the #31million which Inter Milan paid Lazio for Christian Vieri last year, although both Mathias Almeyda and Sergio Conceicao are joining Parma as part of the deal.

Crespo was Parma's all-time leading goalscorer with 80 goals in 150 Serie A appearances and Lazio believe the South American ace can help them win the Champions League next season.

It is believed that Lazio had not wanted to part with Conceicao, with the Portuguese winger angrily saying: "I deserved greater respect for what I have given to this club.

"I still know nothing about it, no-one has told me I could be sold."

The clubs reached agreement on the price of each player and Lazio said in a statement: "The value of Crespo is 110miliardi (#35.7million)."

Almeyda was valued at #14.6million, while the price-tag for Conceicao, the scorer of a hat-trick against Germany at Euro 2000, was #9.7million.

Parma will also receive more than #11.4million in the transfer over a three-year period.

It is just a matter of time before these stupid transfer fees arrive on our shores. I think Man U will even struggle to compete with that kinda cash, so where does that leave us? Seems like the English game both on the field and off it is falling behind to the rest of Europe. I thought it was silly money when we bought AS but 37 mill I mean fookin' hell. that is some small countrys national deficit and almost half of Screacher's overdraft.

-- Anonymous, July 11, 2000

Answers

Awnly kiddin' screach!

-- Anonymous, July 11, 2000

Yeh but they traded 2 for one - so the wages might have dropped slightly and the cash is "only" #11m over 4 years - value high but actual dosh low. Sounds like a good idea.

OK Maric/Ketsbai/Ferguson must be on #50-60K per week - that'll pay most people - lets see how much their transfer value is - damn it nearly worked.

Ho hum

-- Anonymous, July 11, 2000

Oi Syme. You're not my bank manager are you?? Some things have to be kept quiet you know!

-- Anonymous, July 11, 2000

Screacher......some things have to be kept secret.....but only if you are a Lord and are in the employ of the Sedgefield Sl@ptw@t

-- Anonymous, July 11, 2000