Juventus have reportedly set their sights on Lazio maverick Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, who is also being targeted by Manchester United.
Respected Italian agent, Gianfranco Cicchetti has told Tribal Football that Manchester United can expect Juventus to provide them stiff competition in pursuit of Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. He also expects the Lazio midfielder to be sold in a range of €80-100 million.
Milinkovic-Savic has the world at his feet after what have been two stupendous campaigns for him since joining Lazio from Genk in the summer of 2015. Having taken no time to establish himself as a mainstay in midfield for the Biancocelesti, the player is now playing a major role in their bid for a top four finish.
So far this season, Milinkovic-Savic has a fantastic return of 11 goals and 7 assists in 37 appearances in all competitions. More than his haul though, it is his ability to take charge of a game’s proceedings and connect midfield with attack seamlessly that has clubs like Manchester United courting him.
The Premier League heavyweights have been monitoring the progress of a player who has often drawn comparisons with Paul Pogba. With Jose Mourinho set to lose the services of Marouane Fellaini and captain Michael Carrick in the summer, the need to bolster midfield is urgent for Manchester United.
But, while Milinkovic-Savic is a viable target for Manchester United, they face stiff competition for the player in the form of Juventus, with Gianfranco Cicchetti claiming that the Bianconeri could trump every other club to secure his services in the summer.
“The Serbian is the one player who reminds of Pogba more than anyone else. He has the same moves, the same quality and the same physicality. If he keeps up his progress, he can become a top player. I see him better in LaLiga, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he goes to Juventus at the end of the season.”
Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri does have several midfielders at his disposal. But, Sami Khedira looks likely to depart from the Allianz Stadium in the summer. With Claudio Marchisio not getting any younger either, the Serie A champions could do with a player of Milinkovic-Savic’s quality.
As per Cicchetti, Juventus might just win the race to sign the Lazio midfielder, which suggests Manchester United need to pull their weight in order to lure Milinkovic-Savic to Old Trafford. The player though, has said that he is flattered by the interest from the Red Devils, and might be open to a switch to the Premier League.
Any deal, meanwhile, is likely to cost between €80 million and €100 million, and the clubs’ willingness to shell out the money will be a major factor as well. It now remains to be seen where Milinkovic-Savic heads off too, if he decides to leave Lazio, with Manchester United and Juventus interested.
