Manchester United have been linked with several midfielders in the recent past and Serbian midfield ace Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has also made the list of midfielders numerous times. It seems that the Red Devils have ignited their interest in Milinkovic-Savic and are raring to have talks with the player’s agent as United feels that the Lazio star will be a viable option to replace out of favour Paul Pogba.
The Frenchman has been linked with clubs like Juventus and Real Madrid after Manchester United failed to qualify for the UEFA Champions League last season. Pogba revealed that he is seeking a new challenge in his career, indicating a departure from the Old Trafford this summer.
Mino Raiola who is Pogba’s agent also came out and claimed that the Red Devils are aware of his client’s situation and his desire to move elsewhere. In an interview with The Times, he said: “Everyone within the club from the manager to the owner knows Paul’s wishes. Everyone knows the willingness of Paul to move on. We are in the process of that. Everyone knows what the feelings of Paul are.”
It is reported that the Premier League giants are already looking at alternatives to replace the 27-year old France International and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has been their top target this summer.
The 24-year old Serbian midfielder was close to a move to Manchester United before they pulled out last season and now they have again ignited their interest on the Lazio man, considering him as a viable candidate to replace Paul Pogba. Having arrived from Belgian outfit Genk, Milinkovic-Savic has spent his last four years at Lazio. The 24-year old midfielder has been their mainstay in the heart of the field and has featured in 162 appearances for the Serie A outfit netting 31 goals and assisting 18 in the process. His physical prowess in the middle of the field and his knack of scoring goals every now and then makes him a very coveted midfielder.
After a stellar 2017/18, Milinkovic-Savic did not have the best World Cup in Russia with Serbia and also failed to replicate his form last season, 7 goals and 3 assists from 41 matches across all competitions. But when he is not scoring goals from midfield, he was breaking up play and doing his defensive duties with aplomb, something which makes him a well-rounded replacement for Paul Pogba.
Milinkovic-Savic signed a new contract extension with the Serie A outfit last October keeping him at the Stadio Olimpico till 2023. However, reports from the Sun suggest that the player’s agent will be meeting representatives from Manchester United in London to speak about a possible summer transfer. A long term deal with the player puts Lazio in a very strong position and the Red Devils will have to break the bank if they want to lure the Serbian midfielder from Italy.
Along with Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Manchester United are also in talks with Sporting CP’s Bruno Fernandes and have also been linked with Atletico Madrid’s Saul Niguez. With Newcastle United youngster, Sean Longstaff also in the wishlist for the Red Devils.
