Manchester United are looking to ‘test Lazio’s resolve’ as they prepare an offer of £42 million for Serbian midfielder, Sergej Milinkovic Savic.
According to Italian news outlet Messagero, Lazio’s club president Caludio Lotito is expected to hold out for a transfer fee closer to £59 million for the 27-year-old.
The report also stated that the player’s agent is expecting a bid from United that Lazio can’t refuse by early August.
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Lotito is expected to drive up the asking price in order to prevent outrage from Lazio supporters over selling a key member of the squad.
The Lazio faithful have been irked by the upturn in Roma's form under the guidance of Jose Mourinho, plus their most recent capture of Argentina striker Paulo Dybala after he left Juventus at the end of the 21/22 season.
It is believed that Lazio will look to sign Napoli’s Polish international midfielder Piotr Zielinski if they sell Milinkovic Savic.
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Since Milinkovic Savic joined Lazio back in 2015, he has made 294 appearances for the club, scoring 58 goals.
United are in desperate need of a quality midfielder after losing the likes of Paul Pogba, Juan Mata, Nemanja Matic and Jesse Lingard at the end of last season.
With chances of signing Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong fading day by day, Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag could be forced to look elsewhere, and Milinkovic Savic could prove to be the perfect alternative at a much lower cost.
Earlier in the month, it was reported that United agreed an initial fee of £63 million plus a further £8.4 million in performance related add ons with Barcelona for De Jong.
However, the 25-year-old Dutch international has showed no signs of wanting to depart the Camp Nou, he is believed to be settle in Catalonia and wants to fight for his place in Xavi’s team.
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Furthermore, Barcelona are yet to pay deferred wages worth €17 million to De Jong.
Xavi was quizzed about De Jong’s situation at the club during Barcelona’s pre season tour of the United States.
He said: “I’m not here to send messages. I already spoke with Frenkie, I value him very much. He’s key player, but then there’s economic situation and Financial Fair Play.”
Xavi added: “He can give us a lot also as a centre back”
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United have so far secured the signatures of Lisandro Martinez, Christian Eriksen and Tyrell Malacia. With the new season fast approaching, time is running out for Ten Hag to add to his squad.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Manchester United, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours, Frenkie De Jong, Lazio
