PSG are ready to make Sergej Milinkovic-Savic the third most expensive player in history as they look to beat Manchester United to his signature, according to reports.
Jose Mourinho’s interest in the Serbian midfielder was first reported earlier this month, with reports suggesting United were in pole position due to their manager’s strong relationship with Jorge Mendes.
The Portuguese agent also has close ties with Lazio, but now Corriere dello Sport claim that he is driving Milinkovic-Savic to Paris – not Old Trafford – in a deal worth as much as £150m.
The 22-year-old has emerged as one of the most promising young midfielders in Europe and has added more goals to his imposing and physical all-round game this season.
And Lazio are aware of mounting interest in their talisman, with Barcelona, Real Madrid, Juventus and Manchester City also keeping tabs on Milinkovic-Savic in addition to United and PSG.
But fearful of his price, and competition for his signature, increasing after the World Cup – where he is expected to be one of the stand-out players for Serbia – PSG are prepared to make an early move.
Mendes – who brought Nani to Lazio on loan from Valencia – is driving the deal, with Lazio president Claudio Lotito having tasked him with sounding out the host of European giants loitering around their star man to see who would pay the most.
It is exactly the same tactic employed by Juventus when they decided to cash in on Paul Pogba – a player Milinkovic-Savic has been likened to – with Mino Raiola finding a buyer for the Frenchman.
The £150m PSG would stretch to comes in just behind the £166m they will pay to turn Kylian Mbappe’s loan move from Monaco into a permanent deal, and the £198m they spent on Neymar.
Despite the massive sums being suggested, Lazio would ideally like to keep Milinkovic-Savic beyond the summer, having built a team that could challenge for Serie A in the future if not this season.
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