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Manchester United may prove to be the chief beneficiaries amid claims in Italy that Lazio are at loggerheads over the future of Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.

The classy Serbian star is a name very familiar to Manchester United fans. The Red Devils have long been admirers of the Serbian star and chased him long and hard during the Jose Mourinho era. He also remained a player of interest during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s spell in charge.

The nearest they came to him was probably back in summer 2018. However, Lazio’s then £100m valuation – at a time when the transfer market was perhaps at its highest – seemingly dissuaded United from making an approach.

However, his name has never been far away from United when it comes to listing their transfer targets.

And now reports in Italy claim a move may finally be on the cards this summer – thanks in no small part to Lazio’s president.

Indeed, Milknovic-Savic’s contract at Lazio is due to expire in summer 2024. As such, Biancocelesti chairman Claudio Lotito knows this represents his final summer to claim a huge fee for him.

As such, Il Messaggero, as cited by LazioNews24, claims Lotito is ‘hoping for an auction’ for his prized asset.

Maurizio Sarri a huge fan of the player

However, his plan appears to have irked Lazio coach Maurizio Sarri. The former Chelsea boss has worked hard at integrating his system to get the best out of the Serbian.

To that end, Milinkovic-Savic initially struggled to adapt to Sarri’s Chelsea tactics. However, after what has been termed a ‘great recovery’, the 27-year-old has emerged as a key figure in his side.

As it stands, the stylish midfielder has registered eight goals and eight assists in Serie A this season.

And it will come as no surprise to see Sarri outlining his wishes to not just keep the player, but tie him down to a new deal.

However, the Italian outlet suggests it is Lotito who will ultimately get his way. And they believe United director of football John Murtough is waiting in the wings to pounce on his potential sale.

United not alone in Milinkovic-Savic hunt

The article does suggest, however, that United will not be alone in their pursuit of Milinkovic-Savic.

As per the report, they also expect Inter Milan and Juventus to make their move for the midfielder.

There also remains interest from PSG, who, like United, are also long-term admirers of the 28-times capped midfielder.

However, United are said to be very much in the hunt with Lotito preferring to sell abroad and very much expecting United to make their move.

United’s interim manager Ralf Rangnick has made no secret of his wishes to strengthen their midfield. Having outlined it as an area of weakness when taking over, he has been linked with a number of prospective signings.

The likes of Christopher Nkunku, Boubacar Kamara and Amadou Haidara have all been linked.

However, the possibility of signing Milinkovic-Savic may yet hold extra sway for the Red Devils given their long-standing admiration of the star.

READ MORE: Erik Ten Hag has ‘heart set on job’ as Man Utd get double lift in pursuit of new manager

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