Manchester United 'preparing first offer for Lazio's Sergej Milinkovic-Savic'

Manchester United are reportedly preparing to launch a first offer for Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.

The Serbia international's future has been the subject of much speculation in recent months, with a number of clubs believed to be keen to sign him during this summer's transfer window.

Man United have been heavily linked with the 27-year-old, and according to Calciomercato, the Red Devils 'will soon enter into the operational phase of the negotiation' to sign the midfielder.

The report claims that the 20-time English champions are preparing a 'first offer' for the Serbian, although the two clubs are still some way apart in terms of their valuations.

Lazio had allegedly initially been looking for €120m (£100.1m) but have now dropped their asking price to €80m (£67.3m), with Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus also in the hunt for his signature ahead of next season.

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Milinkovic-Savic has scored 10 times and registered 12 assists in 44 appearances for Lazio this season, including 10 goals and 11 assists in 34 Serie A outings.

Meanwhile, he has registered 57 goals and 51 assists in 291 appearances for the Italian club since making the move from Genk in August 2015.

The midfielder's most productive season came in 2017-18, when he scored 14 times and registered eight assists in 48 appearances in all competitions.

Milinkovic-Savic only has little over two years left to run on his current deal, and it is understood that he has an 'agreement' with Lazio chairman Claudio Lotito to move on during this summer's transfer window.

Juventus chief Federico Cherubini is believed to be in constant communication with the Serbian's agent Mateja Kezman, but the Old Lady could struggle to afford his transfer fee.

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Man United are expected to be in the market for two new central midfielders during this summer's transfer window, as both Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic are set to leave on free transfers.

Fred and Scott McTominay are both expected to remain at Old Trafford, while Donny van de Beek is due to return from a loan spell at Everton and could be given a lifeline under incoming head coach Erik ten Hag.

West Ham United's Declan Rice is also believed to be a leading target, but the Hammers value the England international in the region of £150m, making a deal this summer unlikely due to the finances involved.

Ten Hag is expected to be backed during this summer's market, and interim head coach Ralf Rangnick has said that the squad needs to improve in every position other than goalkeeper.

Man United are currently sixth in the Premier League table ahead of their final two league matches of the campaign against Brighton & Hove Albion and Crystal Palace.