MANCHESTER UNITED may be left disappointed as Real Madrid have scheduled talks with their Serbian target Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, according to reports.
The 23-year-old has been on Jose Mourinho’s radar for some time, but with Lazio placing a hefty price tag on his head, the Spanish giants could pip them to the post.
Juventus are the third team to enter the race to sign the Serbia international and his father reportedly wants him to join the Italian side after getting to know the language, and the league, well during his time at Lazio.
But whichever club manages to secure the midfielder will have to shell out a fee topping £78million, according to Corriere dello Sport.
The Lazio midfielder is due to feature today in his national side’s World Cup clash against Costa Rica, where he’s tipped to be the star of the Serbian side.
Comparisons have been drawn between himself and Paul Pogba and with his national team-mate Nemanja Matic a Manchester United mainstay, he could well be persuaded to head to Old Trafford this summer.
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The young star had an impressive campaign last season, managing 14 goals in all competitions, and providing nine assists, which caught the attention of the big clubs across Europe.
Sergej’s father, himself an ex-professional footballer, could have a big hand in swaying his son’s decision.
Speaking to Tuttosport, he said: “I told him so many times Juventus would be the ideal team. perfect for him.
“And with players of the highest level he could win the Scudetto, the Italian Cup and make an important contribution to triumph in the Champions League.
“Juve always goes very far in this competition. And if he were to win the most prestigious cup, Sergej could also aspire to win the Golden Ball.”
Regardless of his future, the Serbian will be in good company in today’s fixture, against Costa Rica, as his national side features several Premier League stars.
But the midfielder’s spot in the squad wasn’t always a guarantee, he didn’t even feature in the qualifying rounds.
It took the sacking of the coach, Slavoljub Muslin, in October to ensure that Sergej was on the plane to Russia.