Man Utd planning fresh charge to sign 23-goal/assist midfielder – report
Manchester United are set to rekindle their interest in Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic in the wake of the failure to sign Frenkie de Jong, according to Calciomercato.
The Red Devils have selected De Jong as their top midfield target for the upcoming transfer window, but the 25-year-old has showed little interest in agreeing personal terms.
Barcelona has agreed to pay €80 million (£72 million) for the player, but the Dutch star has refused to join United this summer.
In the middle of this, Calciomercato reports that United are contemplating a’second charge’ for Milinkovic-Savic, who has been heavily tipped to depart Lazio after seven seasons.
The Serbia international has been a standout player for the Serie A club, but his contract expires in two years, therefore he is likely to be moved this summer.
Lazio is still expected to demand a high fee and is seeking roughly €70 million (£60 million) to authorize his sale.
In our opinion:
Milinkovic-Savic is considered as one of Europe’s top box-to-box midfielders, and he has been extremely consistent for many seasons at Lazio.
Last season, the 27-year-old was in peak form for the Serie A club, with 11 goals and 12 assists in all competitions, but he was also impressive on the defensive front.
He averaged nearly two tackles per league appearance and won seven ground and aerial duels. He appears to be a natural fit for the Premier League and Manchester United.
Although passing is not his strongest suit, he would offer United balance in both offense and defense. Manager Erik ten Hag will have been impressed by his ingenuity.
United is willing to invest roughly £72 million in De Jong this summer. According to this, they should not be frightened off by Milinkovic-£60 Savic’s million price tag.
He is unquestionably a better option than Ruben Neves or Youri Tielemans. Due to their limited mobility,’ the tandem is not on United’s radar this summer.
