Milinkovic-Savic transfer news: Sarri ‘convinced’ about one destination Man Utd target will not end up at

Maurizio Sarri has appeared to confirm Manchester United target Sergej Milinkovic-Savic will not be making a transfer within Serie A this summer.

Milinkovic-Savic has been on Manchester United’s radar for a number of years. This summer could finally be the time for them to pounce for the Lazio midfielder. His territory is an area new manager Erik ten Hag may want to reinforce.

However, Manchester United cannot expect a free run at Milinkovic-Savic. He has also been linked with Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus.

The 27-year-old got the chance to perform in front of the last of those suitors on Monday. He scored a 96th-minute equaliser for Lazio at the Juventus Stadium to secure Europa League football for his side.

But Milinkovic-Savic could be destined for a bigger stage himself. Juventus and PSG will definitely have Champions League football on offer and Tottenham now look likely to as well.

Man Utd will not, but a club of their stature will always be appealing and the added factor of Ten Hag starting a new project at Old Trafford may be enticing.

Now, everyone except Juventus has been given a boost by Lazio head coach Sarri when it comes to the future of Milinkovic-Savic.

He was warmly received by his opposing fans in Turin, in a sign that he would be welcomed as a Juventus signing.

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic plays down rumours to Manchester United

Contrasting comments have come from Manchester United target Sergei Milinkovic Savic and his agent in response to rumours of a Lazio exit.

But his boss Sarri – who used to coach Juventus – saw through the reception. He then delivered a blow to his ex-club, backing Milinkovic-Savic to stay at Lazio or choose a club outside Italy.

Sarri has spoken with Lazio about Milinkovic-Savic

He said: “The applause of the Juventus fans for Sergej? They were predictable.

“I hope they applaud Milinkovic with our shirt again next year. Speaking with president Lotito, I am convinced that if Milinkovic leaves, which is not easy after the words I heard from him, he will not go elsewhere in Italy.”

Man Utd may be listening in with interest. If Sarri’s presumption is true, it would remove one rival from the race to sign their target.

However, they still have work to do on a deal for a player under contract in Rome until 2024.

Interestingly, if he was to move to Man Utd, Milinkovic-Savic could help fill the void left by Paul Pogba – who is closing in on a free transfer return to Juventus themselves.