Lazio manager Maurizio Sarri does not believe that midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic will stay in Italy if he leaves the club this summer, amid ongoing links with a move to Manchester United.
United, who will conclude their Premier League campaign with a trip to Crystal Palace on Sunday, are being linked with a plethora of players ahead of the transfer window officially opening next month. The Reds are set to try and strengthen several areas within the team, meaning speculation is already rife.
Incoming manager Erik ten Hag is likely to make big changes to the squad this summer and strengthening the midfield department is likely to rank amongst his leading priorities. United are in desperate need of adding to that area of the team following a difficult season this time around.
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United have been heavily linked with Declan Rice of West Ham United in recent months, but are now showing a keen interest in Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong. The club is also understood to be working on a deal to bring Kalvin Phillips to Old Trafford.
However, links connecting United and Milinkovic-Savic, who was a target for former manager Jose Mourinho back in 2018, continue to persist. The club, alongside French giants Paris Saint-Germain, has been heavily linked with his signature, and Sarri has only added further fuel to the fire.
"Speaking to the president, I have become convinced that if Milinkovic-Savic does leave, and that will not happen easily, he will not remain in Italy," Sarri told Goal.
Last week, Lazio president Claudio Lotito vowed that Milinkovic-Savic, 27, will not be sold this summer. He is Lazio's most prized asset and they are determined to keep hold of him.
"Milinkovic is not for sale," Lotito said last week, speaking to Rai Sport. "I turned down a €140million (£120m) bid for him [years ago].
"I'd ask Sergej what he wants to do only in case we receive an important proposal from a world-class top club."
The Serbian midfielder has been on Lazio's books since 2015 and has racked up 293 appearances for the club. He has scored 11 goals and grabbed 12 assists this season.
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