Lazio president Claudi Lotito has confirmed that the club are open to selling Sergej Milinkovic-Savic this summer amid speculation linking the midfielder with Manchester United.
Paul Pogba’s future remains in serious doubt and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has identified Milinkovic-Savic, 24, as his number one target to replace the Frenchman should he join Real Madrid.
Reports in Italy claim that Milinkovic-Savic is on the cusp of a move to Old Trafford after his agent, Mateja Kezman, flew to England last Friday to get a deal over the line with the Red Devils.
United are said to be closing in on a £90million agreement for Milinkovic-Savic to make the Serbian their third signing of the summer following the arrivals of Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Daniel James.
Lotito, Lazio’s owner and president since 2004, has refused to rule out a move for Milinkovic-Savic and claims the Serbia international could be sold if a suitable offer is made before the end of the transfer window.
‘We’ll see the conditions that line up,’ he told Sky Sport Italia.
‘Milinkovic has a good rapport with the club, just as the club has with him.
‘If some offers were to be presented, we’d evaluate them with a spirit of collaboration that looks after the interests of the club and the player. We’ll make the decisions that are best for everyone.
‘The investments we made last summer should’ve allowed us to qualify for the Champions League, but we hope to have learned from the experience.’
Lazio manager Simone Inzaghi is hopeful that Milinkovic-Savic will remain at the club, but accepts his side may be forced to sell the former Genk man amid United’s interest.
‘My thoughts are that I’d like Milinkovic-Savic to stay, but I also believe the club has to consider offers when they come in and then make a decision,’ Inzaghi said.
‘We know that if he was to leave, we’d have some important shoes to fill. I hope he remains, he had a great pre-season training camp, but the market is open and we are ready for any situation.
‘Milinkovic will play today’s friendly against Mantova. If he were to leave, we’d need a physical figure to come in to the midfield. Purchases are targeted, chosen together with the club, we sat down and talked calmly.
‘Milinkovic is 24 years old now, he’s no longer a kid. I can give him advice, he is at our disposal and hasn’t missed a training session, but then I don’t know what will happen. I hope he stays.
‘If an important offer arrives, it is only right that the club take it into consideration.’
