Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s time at Lazio is nearing an end as the reported Liverpool transfer target has an agreement to leave the Serie A side next year, according to Calciomercato.
The Serbian has marshalled the Biancocelesti engine room since 2015 and rejected multiple moves away from Rome over the years. But Milinkovic-Savic has not formed a relationship with manager Maurizio Sarri that some at the Stadio Olimpico expected this season.
Lazio hired Sarri in the summer and have won eight of 18 league fixtures under the former Chelsea boss. Milinkovic-Savic has started 16 and featured from the bench once so far, and has offered five goals and five assists.
However, Sarri has grown frustrated with Milinkovic-Savic over the Serbian’s attitude that he deems arrogant. Now, the midfielder is likely to leave Lazio at the end of the season.
Milinkovic-Savic’s agent, Mateja Kezman, has an arrangement with Lazio President Claudio Lotito to split next summer. The Biancocelesti chief values the 26-year-old at €75m (£64m), which has so far priced Juventus out of a deal for the 28-cap international technician.
Kezman has spoken with the Bianconeri recently to discuss his client moving to Turin. But the Allianz Stadium side do not have the resources to convince Lotito to sell to a rival club.
Liverpool offered chance to land Milinkovic-Savic transfer in 2022
Manchester United are now making firm moves to sign Milinkovic-Savic with the Red Devils aware of Kezman’s agreement with Lotito. But the Old Trafford outfit are not currently set to offer Lazio their full asking price for the midfielder.
Liverpool may also rival Manchester United for a transfer to lure Lazio star Milinkovic-Savic to the Premier League next year. Calciomercato have previously reported the Anfield outfit sounded out the Serbian’s situation, but stayed away as Lotito requested €80m (£68m).
Lotito was determined to keep Milinkovic-Savic and planned on having him at the club for many more years. But the Biancocelesti have seemingly now put their support behind Sarri.
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