Manchester City are reportedly set to go head-to-head with Manchester United in pursuit of Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic
According to a report in TransferMarketWeb, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic is the subject of interest from Manchester City and Manchester United. The bitter Premier League rivals are set to battle each other in pursuit of the Lazio midfielder next summer.
Milinkovic-Savic’s career has been on an upward trajectory ever since he joined Lazio from KRC Genk in the summer of 2015. Two years since moving to Stadio Olimpico, the player has now firmly established himself as an instrumental figure at the heart of midfield for the Biancocelesti.
Last season, Milinkovic-Savic flourished under the tutelage of Simone Inzaghi, boasting an impressive record of seven goals and ten assists. He has played a pivotal role for his side this season as well, with Lazio sitting just three points behind Serie A leaders Napoli and looking every bit the title challengers.
What has been most impressive about the player is his ability to combine his strength and physicality with remarkable technical abilities that make him a fantastic box-to-box midfielder. His exploits in Italy have earned the 22-year-old many an admirer as well, with the two Manchester clubs in the Premier League setting their sights on him.
?Potential Target?
Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic was scouted last night by Manchester City according to TMW. pic.twitter.com/UQfSa3nTAy
— Football Transfers (@TransferBibIe) October 26, 2017
At Manchester City, Pep Guardiola has a plethora of creative and attacking options at his disposal. But, he has little to choose from beyond Fernandinho, when it comes to midfielders who can contribute on the defensive front as well as in the final third.
Therefore, the interest in Milinkovic-Savic does not come as a surprise, with the player potentially a long-term solution at the heart of midfield. In fact, as per the report, Manchester City sent scouts to watch the midfielder in action recently, and are set to make a move for him next summer.
But, the Citizens face stiff competition from cross town rivals Manchester United in pursuit of the young Serb. At Manchester United, Jose Mourinho does have a gamut of options in midfield, with the likes of Paul Pogba, Nemanja Matic, Marouane Fellaini and Ander Herrera bringing different qualities to the plate.
But, with several injury concerns troubling him this season, the Portuguese manager is keen on bringing in reinforcements to boost his options and protect himself from the risk of multiple injuries. Therefore, they have turned their attention back to Milinkovic-Savic, whose progress they have monitored for a long time.
Both clubs are set to launch the offensive for him next summer, with Lazio set to command €80 million in exchange of his services. It now remains to be seen if the asking price proves to be a deterrent, although the financial prowess of Manchester City and Manchester United suggests otherwise.
