Lazio defend their efforts to sign Keisuke Honda

Lazio have released a statement defending their efforts to sign CSKA Moscow 's Keisuke Honda in the January transfer window and dismissed claims that Miroslav Klose is unhappy with the lack of new faces at the club.

CSKA have blamed Edy Reja's men for the amount of money offered for the Japanese winger , while the Germany international missed the 2-0 win over AC Milan in midweek, sparking rumours that he was unsettled in Rome, which the player's agent categorically denied .

“With regards to stories published in the media, SS Lazio would like to point out the following,” a statement on the club's official website began.

“The proposal sent to CSKA to sign Honda was worth €13 million over three instalments plus the sale of goalkeeper Juan Pablo Carrizo. It was the biggest economic proposal made by any Italian club in January 2012.

“Miroslav Klose was attributed to having certain discussions and making critical comments against the director of sport, but the player categorically denies these quotes. He confirms that he considers the squad to be fully competitive for the objectives he aspires to, as proved by the recent game with Milan, which he failed to take part in only due to a physical problem.

"Lazio once again point out to their fans that someone is trying to destabilise the atmosphere within the team and damage the cohesion that has been the principle force behind the success earned so far."

Lazio are currently in fourth place in the Serie A standings, five points behind leaders Juventus.