KEY POINTS

  • Man Utd reignite interest in Lazio's Sergej Milinkovic-Savic
  • Solskjaer believes the player will form a 'dream' midfield with Pogba, Fernandes
  • Milinkovic-Savic's transfer fee is expected to be around $93 million

Manchester United reportedly have revived interest in Serbia’s Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and approached his club, Lazio.

Man Utd were linked with Milinkovic-Savic previously when Jose Mourinho was their manager. According to the French website Foot Mercato, Chelsea are also interested in the services of the midfielder, but Man Utd are believed to have an upper hand after they began discussions with the player’s representatives earlier this month.

It is known that the likes of Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho and Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish have been Man Utd’s top transfer targets this summer. While Sancho is still linked heavily with a move to Old Trafford, the Red Devils may give up on Grealish due to the player’s transfer fee of $96 million at the Midlands club.

Man Utd discovered their best form toward the end of the 2019-20 Premier League season. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side was unbeaten since their 2-0 loss to Burnley on Jan. 22. They finished third in the table and thereby secured the Champions League spot for the next campaign. It is understood that ahead of the 2020-21 season, Solskjaer aims to strengthen his midfielder further and the Foot Mercato report has disclosed that he has identified Lazio’s Milinkovic-Savic to form the "dream" midfield with the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba for the Red Devils.

Dynamic duo: Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba have instantly formed a potent midfield partnership for Manchester United
Dynamic duo: Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba have instantly formed a potent midfield partnership for Manchester United POOL / Alastair Grant

Although Man Utd are yet to make an official offer for the 25-year-old Serbian, the report has claimed that Lazio turned down an offer of $101 million last year for the same player. However, due to the coronavirus crisis, Milinkovic-Savic's value is believed to have dropped to $93 million, which Man Utd can afford, considering they would have reportedly earned an extra $155 million this season for qualifying for the Champions League.

In a recent interview, Lazio’s sporting director, Igli Tare, has stated that the club are open to selling Milinkovic-Savic if they receive an acceptable offer. "The boy’s relationship with the city and Lazio will never die because there is a very strong bond that has grown over the years," said Tare.