Recent reports from Italian media outlet Calciomercato state that Manchester United are keen on signing Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic in the upcoming transfer window as Erik Ten Hag looks set to add to his options at the centre of the park.
The asking price for the Serbian international has been reportedly cut down to 80 million euros (compared to the previous 120 million price tag), so a couple of top European clubs other than the Red Devils, namely – Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain, are looking to secure his signature.
‘Beyond the denial of some peremptory statements on Manchester United, the interest is concrete and soon we will enter the operational phase of the negotiation. The Red Devils want to prepare a first offer that will not be very far from the bases set by Lazio.’ – The translated version of the report stated.
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Having come through the ranks at Serbian club Vojvodina, Milinkovic-Savic signed for Lazio from Genk in the summer of 2015. Over the course of the last eight years, the midfielder has made 291 appearances for the Eagles, scoring 57 goals and bagging 51 assists across all competitions. This season, the 27-year-old has scored ten and assisted eleven goals, reaching double figures on both fronts for the first time in his career.
Besides, he has put up some awe-inspiring numbers on the board this term – averaging 1.9 tackles, one interception, 1.2 clearances, two shots, 1.3 key passes, 1.2 dribbles, and 2.3 long balls per 90 minutes in the Italian top-flight. Playing as a box-to-box central midfielder, Milinkovic-Savic is capable of making a difference on both ends of the pitch.
What Will He Bring To Old Trafford?
Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard are all likely to leave the club in the summer transfer window when their contracts expire. Besides, the Mc-Fred double pivot has let the team down on countless occasions. There are way too many holes to fill to bring this dysfunctional side back on track.
Under such circumstances, Savic’s arrival at The Theatre of Dreams will undeniably strengthen Ten Hag’s midfield department, and he could potentially be one of the many pieces the Dutch tactician needs to stabilise United’s midfield proceedings.
At 27, the Lleida-born midfielder has a lot to offer, so it won’t be entirely surprising if the board breaks the bank to secure his signature.
(Stats from WhoScored)
