Manchester United are reportedly 'serious' about making a move for Lazio star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, but the midfielder has a different 'dream' club.
Milinkovic-Savic has starred for Lazio this season, scoring nine goals and notching 10 assists as they challenge for a European qualification place. But he will have just two years left on his contract when the current season ends, opening up the possibility that he could be on the move this summer.
United have long eyed the Serbian as a potential target, following his impressive spell at Lazio. The Red Devils will be undergoing a huge overhaul this summer, with midfield one of the prime areas needing new recruits.
With their season continuing to fall apart, United are already preparing the ground work for their summer transfer business. Even though they are yet to appoint a new permanent manager, one of the players they are shortlisting is understood to be Milinkovic-Savic.
According to La Repubblica, via LazioNews24, United are 'ready to get serious' about the Serbian international. The Red Devils are 'preparing to knock' on Lazio's door with a huge offer that could total more than £58million.
But they are facing competition from Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain, who are also said to be 'pushing' for Milinkovic-Savic. Lazio are ready to listen to offers for the 27-year-old, though none are expected to come in from Serie A rivals Inter Milan and Juventus.
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Lazio are set for a rebuild of their own and in order to fund Maurizio Sarri's list of targets, Calciomercato report that a 'sacrifice' must be made by Lazio, with Milinkovic-Savic the best man to bring in such a fee.
It is stated that United are sending 'strong signals' that they are interested in providing that huge fee. But the player himself has frequently moved to downplay the reports that he is set to leave the Stadio Olimpico.
"My departure? They write about it all the time. I read, but it comes in in one ear and out of the other. When there was something concrete, the company did not let me go, I stayed, I extended the contract and we started a new cycle together. I still have two years on my contract and we'll see what happens,” he said in January.
And according to Il Messaggero, even if he does leave, his 'dream move' would be to join Real Madrid. Los Blancos are expected to undergo a refresh in midfield, with Luka Modric approaching the end of his career.
A move to the Bernabeu would be Milinkovic-Savic's 'preference' if he opts to leave Lazio. Madrid's success in La Liga and in the Champions League could put them ahead in the race to sign him, if they replicate Milinkovic-Savic's interest in joining them.
The Red Devils' lack of a manager could also set them back in the race to sign Milinkovic-Savic. Their main rivals for the Serbian, PSG and Madrid, both have manager's who currently appear set to continue for at least another season.
