Fulham's attempt to bring Calcio Catania striker Maxi Lopez to Craven Cottage may be derailed by the Argentinian's desire to keep playing Serie A football in Italy, it was revealed today.
It is understood that Fiorentina are considering their own bid for Lopez, the former Barcelona star famed for his wonder strike against Chelsea in the Champions League, as replacement for Italy's World Cup winning player Alberto Gilardino who has just completed a £6.6 million move to Genoa.
Catania sporting director Pietro Lo Monaco claimed an offer for £10 million-rated Lopez had been received from Fulham. "We are evaluating it," he said. "We are waiting to see what the Italian clubs will do. We will see what happens with Fiorentina."
Lopez joined Catania from FC Moscow on a four-year contract in January 2010 and was the club's leading league scorer last season.
Everton have also been linked with the 27-year-old, but it is understood he enjoys Italy and would prefer to remain in Serie A even though a projected transfer to AC Milan fell through after they turned their attentions to Carlos Tevez.
Fulham boss Martin Jol has been linked to a string of strikers with reports suggesting Bobby Zamora and Andrew Johnson were set to leave this month.
