Sergej Milinkovic-Savic being linked with Manchester United is nothing new, the Italian media have been claiming interest for over a year.
In September, just as everyone was getting over the last summer transfer window, the player’s agent Mateja Kezman continued things when he was quoted as saying: “There was some strong pressure already this summer from clubs like Madrid, Manchester and Milan, but the kid wanted to be happy and play to continue to grow and become one of the best in the world in his position.
“For now, it’s difficult to think of a future elsewhere than Lazio, who have started very well, but I cannot rule out that he could go at the end of the season.”
‘Manchester’ was taken as Manchester United, as is often the way in the European media.
Things have rumbled on and there’s been asking prices put all the way from €70m to over €180m, with Lazio knowing their have a valuable asset on their hands.
Rumours of Old Trafford interest make some sense, with Jose Mourinho making it clear he needs midfielders and Milinkovic-Savic bringing power and size, at 6ft 4in, along with excellent technical ability and a great attitude. He really seems a Mourinho player.
As often happens over the weekend, The Sun went out ahead of everyone and claimed a deal has been agreed for the move to happen at £70m, with Kezman helping Mourinho get his man. It’s not a bad punt to take, because Manchester United should be interested and there’s been countless claims of such.
But it would be odd to agree a deal now. Lazio still have important games to play and aren’t a club who can be walked all over for transfers.
La Lazio Siamo Noi have contacted Kezman and asked him specifically about the report. The agent rubbished it, explaining: “Lazio have three finals to face, no one talked about any negotiations at the moment. The biancocelesti have the opportunity to make the best result in recent years by qualifying for the Champions League. It is normal for Sergej to be interesting some very large clubs. But, there is no agreement with any club.”
And that, at this stage, is likely to be the truth.
In Italy the situation is being reported as one where interest in a player is growing and whilst there may be a big transfer in the summer, to Manchester United or elsewhere, there’s nothing concrete on a deal yet.
