Lazio have joined the race to sign Besiktas midfielder Veli Kavlak.

The Serie A side who came close to signing the combative central midfielder back in 2010, are preparing to offer the 26-year-old a contract in January.

Kavlak’s contract runs out this summer meaning clubs will be able to enter direct talks with the player in January unless the Black Eagles extend his current deal.

“I have a contract until the summer, we are playing in the Europa League and challenging for the league title, therefore I will not speak about any transfer rumours” Kavlak said.

Southampton, Swansea, Napoli and Stuttgart are reported to be keeping tabs on Kavlak and monitoring his contract situation.

Duo to his Austrian nationality, Kavlak would be able to play as an EU player were he to move to England, Italy or Germany.

Kavlak joined Beşiktaş for £600,000 from Rapid Vienna in 2011 and has seven goals and 14 assists in 122
appearances for the Black Eagles.