The search for Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s heir at the Stadio Olimpico continues as Lazio are subject of heightened interest from Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain regarding their main midfield talisman. Despite his agent Mateja Kezman denying reports of contacts, reports continue to emerge of the Serbian’s summer departure.
According to latest reports from Il Tempo (via LazioNews24), two midfielders are in pole position in sporting director Igli Tare’s wishlist to replace the 27-year-old central midfielder.
Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek is one of the two main names, with the England international seeing off his club contract in the summer of 2024. His €20m price tag will arrive as a bargain and moreover coach Maurizio Sarri already has experience training him during his time with the Blues. However, his salary of €4m is bound to make the Biancocelesti management think twice before investing.
The next contender is Rennes midfield ace Benjamin Bourigeaud, who is a likelier candidate, as his contract expires at the end of next season. Meaning which, he could arrive for €20m or lesser given Lazio’s negotiation skills. Bourigeaud’s versatility makes him a perfect successor to Milinkovic-Savic, with the Frenchman having registered 10 goals and 15 assists in 45 appearances for Les Rennais this season.
Other than the aforementioned duo, Wolverhampton Wanderers defensive-half Leander Dendoncker is also in the fray. The Belgian is also nearing a contract expiration in 2023.