SINGAPORE, Sporting Alert — Manchester United target Sergej Milinkovic-Savic is free to leave Lazio, according to the Italian side’s president Claudio Lotito.
Paul Pogba Replacement?
The Serbian has reportedly been identified as a replacement for the Paul Pogba, who has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford, and Lotito revealed that the 24-year-old will decide his own future.
http://gty.im/1155387124“We have created a glasshouse and understood that people cannot be forced to play their role in an environment where they feel restricted,” Lotito said when he spoke to Corriere dello Sport.
“This is not the case with Sergej. He showed great affection, responsibility and seriousness. It will depend on the events and not on the club.”
Milinkovic-Savic scored five goals and had three assists in Serie A from midfield last season, has attracted attention from Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus and Lotito has indicated that Lazio are willing to let him leave if he wants a move.
“Last year I managed to reject the assaults, this year we could propose a matter of respect if the player were to propose a different solution,” he added.
“Lazio will never be weakened but always strengthened, there is no doubt about this: it is our understanding.
http://gty.im/1148397233“All the promoted actions have as their objective the pride of the Lazio brand.
“We have moved from the phase in which no one believed our objectives, to today where the team is permanently present in European competitions.”
Lazio Holding Out For More Money
It is understood that Manchester United offered £72.3m for Milinkovic-Savic, but his club believes it is well below the asking price of around £90m.
The Red Devils are hoping to hold on to Pogba, but understand that a replacement must be lined up should the Frenchman World Cup winner leaves this summer.
Pogba, who has been linked to Real Madrid and PSG, has featured in both pre-season games so far for Manchester United and has impressed.
Manchester United are currently continuing their preparations for the start of the new season.
The English Premier League giants have picked 2-0 and 4-0 wins over Perth Glory and Leeds, respectively in friendly games during the tour of Australia.
Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s side will next face Italian Serie A side Inter Milan on Saturday.
