Edy Reja has confirmed he is in talks with Lazio to replace under-fire coach Davide Ballardini.

Former Napoli boss Reja is under contract with Hajduk Split until June 2011 but is trying to sever ties with the club.

"We are negotiating," Reja said to calciomercato.com.

"The situation is not easy as there are problems that need to be solved.

"I believe everything could be resolved (with Hajduk Split) briefly but it will not be easy."

Ballardini has been under immense pressure following last weekend's 1-0 defeat by Catania that dropped Lazio to 18th place.

The Biancoceleste, who were eliminated from the Europa League before the winter break and were knocked out of the Coppa Italia last month, have won four and lost nine of their 23 games this season under Ballardini.

He replaced Delio Rossi last summer.

Hundreds of Lazio fans staged a protest today outside the club's training ground at Formello after their side's dismal form in Serie A.

According to reports, police were called in to curb the mounting tension as 900 Lazio supporters managed to invade the training ground prior to the team's afternoon session.

The fans were removed from the area by the police.