Man Utd Rekindle Interest in Lazio Talisman Milinkovic-Savic

Complications surrounding Frenkie de Jong’s long-awaited switch from Barcelona to Manchester United could come back to haunt Lazio. As claimed by Calciomercato, the Red Devils are considering reigniting their interest in Sergej Milinkovic-Savic to replace Paul Pogba.

A lack of Champions League football is taking its toll. Old Trafford is no longer an attractive destination as it was during the glory days of Sir Alex Ferguson. De Jong’s hesitation over ending his sub-standard stint at Camp Nou to reunite with Erik ten Hag speaks volumes. 

Man Utd and Barcelona have already found an agreement for the Dutchman to move to the Premier League. However, the Red Devils have yet to get the player’s go-ahead. Not even ten Hag has managed to persuade his former Ajax pupil to join him in Manchester.

The Dutch tactician is on the lookout for a world-class midfielder to fill Pogba’s shoes at Old Trafford. The Frenchman called time on his underwhelming six-stint in the Premier League to re-sign for Juventus this summer. His departure means Man Utd have to intervene in the market.

Not long ago, Man Utd were hellbent on signing Lazio talisman Milinkovic-Savic. Yet, the Italians’ substantial €70m price tag has put them off multiple times in the past. With de Jong’s arrival hanging by a thread, ten Hag may have no other option but to break the bank to satisfy Claudio Lotito. 

Known as a stubborn negotiator, Lotito is unwilling to budge on his asking price. On top of that, Milinkovic-Savic’s contract expiring in 2024 further solidifies Lazio’s position at the bargaining table. 

The Serbia international has pledged his future to Lazio despite flattering interest from foreign countries. At 27, he is at his peak powers, and the Biancocelesti are more than happy to keep hold of him. 

So if Man Utd are to take him away from the Stadio Olimpico, they would be strongly advised to dig deep into their pockets.