Italian Serie A side Lazio are hoping to sign Real Madrid's Argentine midfielder Santiago Solari on a 12 month loan, according to Italian media reports on Tuesday.

Lazio officials are reported to be flying out to Spain on Tuesday in an attempt to conclude a deal before the start of the Italian football season on Saturday.

However reports suggest that any proposed deal will go through only if Lazio settle their outstanding debt with Valencia.

Lazio still owe Real Madrid's Spanish rivals six million euros (6.5 million dollars) for midfielder Gaizka Mendieta, who was loaned out to English Premiership side Middlesbrough last week.

Solari, 26, made 26 appearances for Real Madrid last season.

Lazio play away to Benfica on Wednesday in the second leg of their Champions League qualifying match.

The Italians won the first leg 3-1 and are well placed to secure a place in the highly lucrative group stages.

Lazio play their first league match on Sunday at home to newly-promoted Lecce.