Man Utd in the frame after meeting that could finally seal Serie A stand-out’s fate is scheduled

Man Utd have again been touted as a landing spot for Lazio’s Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, and a report has revealed a meeting has been scheduled that could determine the player’s future once and for all.

Links between Milinkovic-Savic and Manchester United seem to surface almost every transfer window. However, speculation over the potential switch has rarely been confined to just the windows.

At 27, the time is fast approaching for Milinkovic-Savic to make a decision.

He is in the prime of his career and remains one of Serie A’s stand-out midfielders.

Indeed, he’s racked up six goal contributions in seven league matches this season. He finished last year’s Serie A season with his tally of goals and assists both in double figures at 11 each.

The free agent departure of Paul Pogba was the catalyst behind renewed links in the summer. A move obviously did not materialise, though his contract situation is ensuring the links aren’t going away.

Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport tout Manchester United as a ‘possible destination’ and claim the Serbian’s future is coming to a head.

Lazio schedule meeting

That’s because he’s now entered the final two years of his contract, making one of the next two windows the ideal time to cash in – if Lazio wish to sell, of course.

On that front, (via Sport Witness) Lazio have reportedly scheduled a meeting where a contract extension will be discussed.

Talks will take place before the month of September is out, though hopes aren’t high he’ll pen fresh terms.

That’s because Milinkovic-Savic reportedly wants a ‘low release clause’ included as part of the contract. That would be with a view to keeping his exit options open down the line and is something Lazio won’t entertain.

Milinkovic-Savic and his agent – ex-Chelsea striker Mateja Kezman – reportedly hold strong relations with Lazio’s hierarchy.

However, club president, Claudio Lotito, may be sensing a unique opportunity to cash in very soon.

With the first ever winter World Cup on the horizon, players who impress in Qatar will see their values soar ahead of the January window.

Lotito is well aware Milinkovic-Savic could court suitors if he impresses with Serbia and fetch a sizeable fee in January as a result.

If a breakthrough over a new contract can’t be made, all eyes will be on Qatar and subsequently, the winter window.

The report adds Man Utd were the only name seriously linked with the midfielder in the summer. Don’t be surprised to see the Red Devils mentioned once again come January.

How would Milinkovic-Savic fit in?

Milinkovic-Savic operates primarily in central midfield in a box-to-box role.

He can play either in a double pivot as the more attack-minded player, or either side of a midfield three.

United are currently finding joy with Christian Eriksen pulling the strings alongside Scott McTominay.

Casemiro is expected to eventually take McTominay’s place, with Paul Scholes recently detailing precisely how the Scot and Fred keep letting United down.

Milinkovic-Savic would represent an excellent addition to the ranks and could even be deployed as the No 10 if Bruno Fernandes was absent.

The issue, of course, is prising him away from Lazio. Despite links dating back four years, the Serbian always remains on Lazio’s books and few would be surprised if it remained that way for the foreseeable future.