Reports have claimed that Lazio are not willing to part ways with Sergej Milinkovic-Savic in January, despite a host of clubs being interested.
Milinkovic-Savic has been a long-term target of Man United and has also been linked with Spurs and Arsenal. The 27-year-old has started the season well and Lazio are now reluctant to let him go.
Erik ten Hag will be keen to refresh his options in midfield, but the Lazio man could now be off the table. The likes of Arsenal and Spurs have also been keeping tabs on him recently.
Previous reports suggested that Milinkovic-Savic might have been available for a cut-price deal, but that no longer seems to be the case.
Lazio want to keep their man
According to reports, Lazio have no interest in selling Milinkovic-Savic in the upcoming transfer window.
Gazzetta dello Sport have reported that club president Claudio Lotito values the midfielder at around £107million.
Milinkovic-Savic’s current deal with Lazio is set to expire in 2024 and so now would be the perfect time to cash in on him.
The Serbian international has had an excellent start to the season. In his first nine matches, he has scored three goals and also picked up seven assists.
He was one of the top-performing midfielders in Serie A last season too with 22 goal contributions to his name.
The 27-year-old is fairly versatile and can play in a variety of roles across the midfield. He is most effective when he is utilised higher up the pitch and can influence things in front of goal.
Maurizio Sarri’s side also still stand a chance of progressing through their Europa League group.
They currently sit third in Group F and are on the same amount of points as Feyenoord who currently lead the group.
Milinkovic-Savic is regarded as a crucial first-team player at Lazio and he has played over 300 matches for the Italian side. Across his eight seasons with the club he has scored a total of 62 goals.
Time will tell if Lazio have upped their price for Milinkovic-Savic as a bargaining chip in the upcoming window.
Man United may need to look elsewhere
Ten Hag oversaw an eventful first transfer window as Man United manager in the summer.
Having spent months chasing Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong, they instead ended up with Casemiro.
Given how he wants to set up, there is no doubt that United will be keen to bolster their midfield options once more in the upcoming windows.
Man United played out a goalless draw with Newcastle in the Premier League this weekend.
Ten Hag’s side dominated the ball with 63 per cent possession, but they lacked a spark in the final third.
The majority of United’s goals have come from their forwards this season and they could do with another goalscoring midfielder.
Bruno Fernandes made his name at Old Trafford as that type of midfielder, but he has since struggled for consistency.
Man United face a pivotal week in the Premier League with games against Spurs and Chelsea coming up.