Real Madrid are reportedly looking to enter the chase for Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and rival Manchester United for the Lazio midfielder.
According to Spanish publication Marca, Real Madrid are tracking Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic with a view to moving for the player in the summer transfer window. The midfielder is also on the radar of Manchester United and Manchester City, who now have additional competition from the defending La Liga champions.
Real Madrid have endured a very tough domestic campaign so far this season and all signs point towards a summer rebuild. The report entails that Los Blancos are shortlisting a total of 25-30 players for the summer, with Milinkovic-Savic the latest one to be added to the list of potential transfer targets.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has been impressive not just this season but throughout his journey at Lazio, after joining from Genk. The midfielder is not only a towering presence on the field but, surprisingly, is incredibly fluid and agile in his movement, often drawing comparisons with Paul Pogba, who has a similar skillset.
Savic has in fact, been touted to join the Frenchman at Manchester United in the upcoming summer transfer window according to the reports. Jose Mourinho is looking for a quality midfielder to enable him to deploy a midfield three, which he has opted for in recent times, but has had to start academy graduate Scott McTominay as the third player alongside Nemanja Matic and Pogba.
Despite the Scot’s brilliant displays, one would think Mourinho would want a quality midfielder to don the starting role, with McTominay acting as more a rotation option than being a regular part of the midfield three. Savic, at 22, also has enough experience, with over 100 senior appearances for Lazio and already a full-fledged senior international for Serbia.
The experience could also be a factor that entices Real Madrid, who could be looking to shake up things in midfield as well. There are rumours of a brewing rift between Pogba and Mourinho at Manchester United, which could see Real Madrid grab their once-priority target if he does become available in the summer.
But, if Pogba is happy to stay put, Real Madrid will have to look elsewhere, which could see Milinkovic-Savic become a viable option. The player has a similarly towering presence in midfield and boasts more experience than the likes of Dani Ceballos, who, despite possessing massive potential, have been often found out due to their inexperience.
The report says that Milinkovic-Savic is a serious name on the transfer wishlist for Real Madrid, which could be a positive thing for Lazio, as interest from clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester United and Manchester City is sure to spark a bidding war and drive up the midfielder’s price tag.
Lazio will know that they are resigned to lose Milinkovic-Savic if any of these clubs do come knocking at their door and they will be looking to make the most of the interest from these clubs, which could see the player become the first £100 million Serbian in world football.
