Man United interested in Serie A midfielder after outstanding season

Manchester United are interested in Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and hope to secure a deal this summer, according to reports. 

As reported by Calciomercato, incoming United boss Erik ten Hag is keen on adding the Serbian to his midfield ahead of his first season in charge.

The Red Devils are set to lose Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard this summer, and will therefore be in the market for at least one central midfielder.

Milinkovic-Savic has been in superb form for Maurizio Sarri’s side this term, scoring 11 goals and providing the same number of assists in the Italian top flight.

The report claims that United will face stiff competition for the 27-year-old’s signature, though, with French champions Paris Saint-Germain and Spanish side Real Madrid also interested in the player.

Milinkovic-Savic is being monitored by a number of European clubs

The Serbia international will enter into the final two years of his contract with Lazio this summer, and the Serie A side may opt to cash in on him sooner rather than later.

Sarri, who managed Chelsea before returning to Italy, has insisted that the player will not be joining any other Italian side, amid reports linking him with Juventus.

“Speaking to the president, I have become convinced that if Milinkovic does leave, and that will not happen easily, he will not remain in Italy,” he told Goal.

Those in charge at Lazio have insisted that the player is not for sale, reiterating that they rejected an offer worth in excess of £120 million for him a few years ago.

It is believed, though, that they would accept an offer if it was big enough.

“Milinkovic is not for sale. I turned down €140m (£120m) bid for him [years ago]”, Lotito told Rai Sport.

“I’d ask Sergej what he wants to do only in case we receive an important proposal from a world-class top club.”

Milinkovic-Savic has established himself as one of Serie A’s best midfielder since arriving in the division in 2015.