MANCHESTER UNITED have made Sergej Milinkovic-Savic their primary transfer target this summer but will face strong competition from Juventus and Real Madrid, it is reported.
The 23-year-old has starred for Serbia at the World Cup so far and it is understood United want him to bolster their midfield.
With Michael Carrick retiring to take up a coaching role at Old Trafford and Marouane Fellaini’s future uncertain, Jose Mourinho will be keen to bring in another midfielder after completing the signing of Fred last week.
But Milinkovic-Savic’s club Lazio know they have a young talent and may try to drive a high-priced bidding war this summer.
According to the Independent, the Red Devils are prioritising signing the Serbian but Juventus and Real Madrid are expected to match any concrete offers.
If Milinkovic-Savic does move this summer, it is believed he could be bought for a fee in excess of £100million.
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The 6ft4inch star netted an impressive 12 goals from midfield for Lazio in Serie A last season and bagged a further two in the Europa League match against Nice.
There were high expectations from the footballing world going into the World Cup and he has justified them with his two performances so far.
He has played every minute of Serbia’s tournament so far, playing in an attacking midfield role in the win over Costa Rica and the defeat to Switzerland.
And if Mourinho gets his way, Milinkovic-Savic could be joining his international teammate Nemanja Matic in United’s midfield next season.