Krishnan Sreekumar
Manchester United to battle Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain to sign £68m-rated Lazio star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic
According to Calciomercato (h/t Daily Mail), Manchester United are set to battle Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain to secure the services of Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.
Milinkovic-Savic has been a huge presence in the middle of the park for Lazio, pulling the strings in midfield and driving the team forward. He has evolved into a midfield general for the Italian side ever since his move from Genk in 2015.
His performances for the Serie A club have caught the attention of United, who are keen on bolstering the squad with talented options. The midfield has been a weak link for the Manchester side, with the current crop of options proving to be underwhelming this campaign.
Furthermore, it is said that the departure of Nemanja Matic in the summer has increased the Red Devils’ interest in the Lazio star. A replacement for Paul Pogba is also required ahead of the new season, with the Frenchman looking set for an exit.
Champions League desire for Lazio star
The 27-year-old has a contract with Lazio until 2024, but that has not stopped him from being linked with United in the past. Now, with the Italian club failing to qualify for next season’s Champions League, the Serbia international is keen to seek a move away.
If Lazio are to part with their star midfielder, they will demand a transfer fee of £68m from interested clubs. There certainly is interest for Milinkovic-Savic, as Real and PSG have also reared their heads to secure his services. Lazio are open to selling him to a foreign club, as Serie A clubs will struggle to meet the transfer price quoted for the player.
Lazio’s failure to qualify for the UCL may have pushed Milinkovic-Savic into seeking an exit in the summer, but the situation is not much different at United. The Red Devils are guaranteed to play European football, but it remains to be seen whether that is in the Europa League or Europa Conference League.
The Manchester side is currently in sixth position in the Premier League table, but could still slip down to seventh place on the final day of the season. This is certain to happen if the Old Trafford outfit fails to win against Crystal Palace, and West Ham United beat Brighton.
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However, a new era at Old Trafford under new manager Erik ten Hag is dawning soon, with the Dutchman expected to lead a massive squad rebuild. It remains to be seen if the prospect of becoming part of a new-look team will convince Milinkovic-Savic of a summer move.
Real Madrid and PSG offer him the Champions League and are capable of affording his transfer fee. Only time will tell where the Lazio star will end up ahead of the new season, but United fans will be keen to see him be part of the ten Hag revolution in Manchester.
