Serie A side Lazio have threatened legal action against press reports that have suggested that Joseph Minala of Cameroon is older than the age of 17, which his registration claims.

Lazio published his documents on their website and said that it was important to pursue action in order to protect the player's name.

"Lazio, referring to press reports relating to the age of player Joseph Minala, confirms the absolute legitimacy of the documentation filed with the federal authorities," they said in a statement.

"We reserve the right to take action against those responsible for the protection of the good name of the club and the player."

Minala was promoted to the club's first team, which is when the photographs of him were scrutinised.