Italian publication Corriere dello Sport reports that Manchester United have reached a verbal agreement with Lazio and Serbia midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic over a five-year contract. However, the Red Devils are yet to decide on a transfer fee, and negotiations are reportedly underway.
Man Utd have kept a close eye on Milinkovic-Savic for quite some time. The English club has expressed interest in signing the star last summer, but no move was ever made. But concerns over the immediate future of Paul Pogba have materialized, and now United has again set its sights on the midfielder again and is hoping to get his signature.
All summer, rumors surrounding Pogba have been headlining several publications. The star has been a model professional throughout Manchester United's pre-season campaign, but Real Madrid remain optimistic of landing the Frenchman in the coming days. This could prompt the Red Devils to make a move to secure Milinkovic-Savic before the end of the English transfer window.
Since joining Lazio in the summer of 2015, Milinkovic-Savic has become one of the most exciting midfielders in the Serie A. The Serbian could've done better in the 2018-2019 season, finishing with 7 goals and 3 assists from more than 40 matches across all competitions. He has been concerned to be a strong replacement for Pogba at Man Utd.
The report says that Mateja Kezman, Milinkovic-Savic's agent had been actively negotiating with the Red Devils, apparently reaching a verbal agreement that the 24-year-old will end up with the English club. Manchester United have reportedly agreed on a five-year contract for the Serbian international worth £6 million with performance-related add-ons.
The Serie A outfit value Milinkovic-Savic at €90 million and Lazio reportedly want the entire fee paid upfront, according to the report. The Premier League giants are yet to agree on a transfer fee, with United offering €75 million with an additional €15 in bonuses.
According to Lazio manager Simone Inzaghi, Milinkovic-Savic could be on the move before the transfer window closes. However, any move for the midfielder from Manchester United's part is likely to hinge on how the Pogba deal moves forward.
The English transfer window closes in less than two weeks, so Manchester United will need to make a quick decision. Otherwise, they'd end up losing Pogba to Real Madrid without a solid replacement in place.
Man Utd are expected to confirm the news in the coming days before the transfer window closes.
