Sporting director drops major hint over Man Utd target as Ten Hag considers cut-price deal
Lazio’s sporting director has dropped a major hint over a long-term Manchester United target who Erik ten Hag has been considering recently.
Man Utd are almost over the line in the race for the top four and planning for next season will soon begin.
Having Champions League football back at Old Trafford will be a major incentive for big players from around Europe to join Ten Hag’s project.
Indeed, they have even been linked with a sensational move for Neymar of late. Ten Hag is also keen to improve on his midfield options this summer.
Lazio’s Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has been a long-term target for Man Utd and they are reportedly considering a deal once again.
His contract with the Italian club expires in 2024 and so he could be available on a cut-price deal. Lazio’s sporting director Igli Tare has provided an update on his situation.
“We will meet soon to discuss the situation. Anything can happen, it’s also possible for Sergej to be sold to another club,” Fabrizio Romano reported on Twitter.
“He likes and respects the club, coach and president”.
The 28-year-old has been in fine form for Lazio this year. He has been one of the standout players in Serie A and he has helped Lazio to third in the table.
With seven goals and eight assists to show for this season, Marcus Rashford is the only Man Utd player to have more goal contributions than him this season.
Other clubs are interested
The Serbian international is in a strong position to decide his future right now. Lazio are keen to keep him and he could yet pen a new deal with the club.
However, Lazio won’t want to lose him on a free. If he doesn’t decide to extend his contract this summer, now seems like the perfect chance to cash in.
Reports have suggested that their asking price would be around €40million (£34.7m). Considering what he was previously valued at, this seems like good value for money.
Of course, Man Utd aren’t the only club who are interested. The likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle have also been mentioned as interested.
Liverpool in particular are in need of a midfield overhaul and Milinkovic-Savic could be perfect. Jurgen Klopp’s side lack a natural goalscorer from midfield and he could fill that role with ease.
Elsewhere, Newcastle recently confirmed their place in the Champions League next season with a point against Leicester.
Eddie Howe’s side have taken great strides forward this season and they will be looking to strengthen their squad with the added competition next year.
The 28-year-old has spent eight years with Lazio. In that time he has made 339 appearances and has scored 67 goals.
His versatility would also make him a handy target for each of the sides interested. He plays his best football as a forward-thinking midfielder, but he can also play in a holding role.
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