LONDON Lazio striker Pierluigi Casiraghi is joining English premier club Chelsea for 5.4 million pounds ($8.8 million), British newspapers reported on Friday. There was no official confirmation from European Cup Winners' Cup holders Chelsea on the reports but a news conference was called for Stamford Bridge for 1500GMT on Friday. The Daily Mail quoted Chelsea Managing Director Colin Hutchinson as saying: It's great news.

I'm sure Chelsea fans will be happy to hear we're continuing to bring quality players to the club. Casiraghi, dropped by Italy from their World Cup squad along with Chelsea's Gianfranco Zola, was quoted as saying from Italy: I am very happy to come to London and I look forward to playing for Chelsea. Casiraghi played with Chelsea player-manager Gianluca Vialli when he was at Juventus and is the fourth Italian on the west London club's books with Italian international Roberto di Matteo. Lazio have reportedly expressed an interest in signing their former player Roberto di Matteo but the Daily Mirror said Chelsea had ruled out any transfer.

A fifth, forward Attilio Lombardo, could also be joining Chelsea soon from relegated Crystal Palace. (Reuter)