Manchester United are reportedly leading the race to sign Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, who is also a summer target for Premier League rivals Tottenham
According to a report by The Sun, Manchester United have taken the lead in the race to sign Sergej Milinkovic-Savic in the summer transfer window. The Lazio midfielder is also the subject of interest from Tottenham, with several other top clubs across Europe keeping an eye on him.
Milinkovic-Savic has taken European football by storm over the last two seasons, establishing himself as a key figure for Lazio while also being widely regarded as one of the best young midfielders in the world. The player has been in his elements in the current campaign, leading the charge for Lazio’s bid for a top four finish in Serie A.
His numbers make for an impressive reading, with Milinkovic-Savic boasting a tally of 11 goals and 3 assists in 32 Serie A outings. In particular, his ability to contribute in defence as well as attack has been catching the eye, and the player has rightly attracted interest from several top clubs in Europe, with Manchester United leading the race to sign him.
The Premier League heavyweights are set to bid adieu to Michael Carrick, who will join Jose Mourinho’s backroom staff next season. Additionally, Marouane Fellaini’s Manchester United future is up in the air, although the club have tabled an improved contract offer recently, which has seen the manager iterate that he will be in the market for a midfielder.
Carrick, in particular, will leave a creative void that Milinkovic-Savic could fill to some extent with his passing range. Should Mourinho continue with a 4-3-3, the player could slot in alongside Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba, helping the former in defensive work while combining with the latter in the final third, making him a viable target for Manchester United.
But, Manchester United face stiff competition from Tottenham, who are reportedly set for a mini revamp in the summer, with Victor Wanyama and Mousa Dembele linked with moves away from the club. With Harry Winks and Eric Dier the only other options, there is a need for goals and creativity in midfield, something Moussa Sissoko has been unable to provide.
Tottenahm and Manchester United also have a clear run on the player now, with the report suggesting that Barcelona, who were also in the running for him, pulling out as they deemed his €100 million price tag as unrealistic.
But, the asking price could prove to be a hindrance for Tottenham as well, who have been known to be frugal in the transfer market, although they have suggested a change in their ways with the signing of Davinson Sanchez last summer. Meanwhile, Manchester United would hope that the player’s recent comments over their interest could hand them further advantage.
What remains certain is that Milinkovic-Savic’s stock is on a steep rise, with the who’s who of European football setting their sights on him. It now remains to be seen where he heads off to in the summer, with Manchester United leading Tottenham in the race to sign him.
