Stam staying put

Former Manchester United defender Jaap Stam insisted today he has no intention of leaving debt-ridden Italian giants Lazio.

The Dutch international, who has been linked with a move to Manchester City, said: “I reiterate that I have never asked to leave Lazio and I feel great in Italian football.”

Speculation has grown over Stam‘s future because of the Rome outfit’s deepening financial crisis. Lazio‘s players have not been paid since June and now the club, said to be almost €157m in debt, is up for sale.

United have instigated legal proceedings of €19m which they claim they are still owed by Lazio from the transfer of Stam in 2001.

Stam said of recent media reports: “They have written that I could leave Lazio for the lateness in my wage payments, but I want to clarify that my agents have spoken recently with the Lazio executives and I think the situation will be resolved soon.”