Manchester United are reportedly planning to launch a late bid to try and sign Serbian international Sergej Milinkovic-Savic from Lazio.
As per reports from Italian outlet Calciomercato, Manchester United are planning a last-ditch swoop for 23-year old Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic before the English transfer deadline on Thursday.
The Red Devils have made just three signings this summer, with Diogo Dalot, Fred and Lee Grant arriving thus far in the transfer window. Manager Jose Mourinho has been left frustrated with the lack of signings and is desperate to add more players to his roster before the transfer window closes.
A centre-back and a right-sided winger are understood to be at the top of the Portuguese tactician’s wish list. However, with recent talks of Barcelona plotting a move for club record signing Paul Pogba, a new central midfielder might be something that Jose and the club would want to bring in.
Milinkovic-Savic has been on Manchester United’s radar for a long time now, with the 20-time English champions linked with a move for the 23-year old all summer. The Serbian midfielder has developed into one of the most exciting midfielders in the game, since moving to Lazio back in 2015 from Belgian side Genk.
Last season saw the midfielder net 14 goals and set up 9 more from 48 appearances across all competitions. Following his exploits for the club, the 23-year old gave a good account of himself in the 2018 FIFA World Cup with Serbia, impressing with his strength and attacking intent.
And now, United are looking to rush through with a late offer to try and land the midfielder, as they look to build a squad capable of fighting rivals Manchester City for the Premier League title. In order to do so, the Red Devils will have to smash their transfer record, with Lazio demanding €155 million for their prized asset.
Even then, signing him will not be the easiest of tasks for Manchester United, with a number of other clubs interested in Milinkovic-Savic. The 23-year old is also wanted by Italian champions Juventus, who have already broken the bank once this summer, to sign Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid.
Interestingly, the reigning European champions also remain keen in acquiring the services of the seven-time capped Serbian international. However, the Merengues are unwilling to offer more than €100 million for the midfielder, leading to an impasse in negotiations.
Italian giants AC Milan too are understood to be in the hunt to land the the Serbian superstar. The Rossoneri want to sign the 23-year old on loan initially, before making the move permanent next summer. But, according to the report, their proposal is likely to be rejected by Lazio.
With just two days left for the transfer window to shut down, Manchester United face a race against time to get the deal done for Milinkovic-Savic. Considering that their chief rivals, Juventus and Real Madrid, have till the end of the month to complete the transfer, the Red Devils find themselves at a significant disadvantage. They will need to act swiftly if they are to sign the midfielder.
