Should Manchester United splash the cash on Real Madrid star Mateo Kovacic or Lazio midfield ace Sergej Milinkovic-Savic?
Jose Mourinho has cast his eye over both midfield stars, but will likely only have the funds for one in the January window
WITH the January transfer window just around the corner, Manchester United will want to strengthen as they attempt to close the gap on Manchester City.
Jose Mourinho appears to be in the market for a midfielder in January, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan likely to leave after falling out favour.
Marouane Fellaini could also depart Old Trafford after failing to agree a new contract.
Those two potential departures could lead to a new face arriving.
Both Mateo Kovacic and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic have been subject of Manchester United transfer rumours and our friends at Football Whispers look at who would be the better buy.
If United want a cheaper option, Kovacic would definitely be more attractive.
Reports in Spain claim Mourinho is preparing a £27million move for the Real Madrid man, who has struggled to earn a place in the Los Blancos first team.
That fee is considerably less than the £95m United are reportedly willing to pay for Milinkovic-Savic.
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SunSport revealed earlier this month that United were watching the Lazio man and had scouts in attendance at their 2-1 win over Sampdoria.
The Serbian impressed during that game, grabbing a goal and an assist in the last 11 minutes.
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The higher price tag will be because it is Milinkovic-Savic, not Kovacic, who has made a real effect with their club side this season.
The Real Madrid man has failed to start in the league, making just three appearances off the substitutes bench for a total of 77 minutes.
By contrast, ‘SMS’ has started 15 of Lazio’s 16 Serie A games, racking up 1289 minutes of football.
And while both are well-rounded midfielders, if Mourinho wants someone who can score goals, the Serbian is again his man.
He already has five in Serie A this season while Kovacic is yet to notch in La Liga in 2017/18.
Admittedly, it is a bit harsh judging Kovacic based on his limited appearances, but looking at the 2016/17 campaign, where he made 27 appearances, he still managed just one league goal.
Milinkovic-Savic is one of the first names on the team sheets at Lazio and when you watch his game, it’s not hard to see why.
He undoubtedly has the necessary physical tools to thrive in the Premier League, while he also possesses the refined technique expected of someone born in Spain, like the 22-year-old was.
His intelligence, dynamism and versatility has allowed him to thrive in Italy, but in truth he is suited to any top European division.
Kovacic, however, has a higher passing accuracy than Milinkovic-Savic this season (93 per cent to 81 per cent), and that is the aspect of his game he’s known for.
He’s also very good technically and is versatile, having played as an attacking midfielder before moving slightly deeper. He also has the ability to play on both flanks.
The 23-year-old likes dropping deep to receive the ball and driving forward, something that would be an asset to United.
The problem with Kovacic is that he’s already at a big club and is struggling for game time.
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So there would be questions over whether he has what it takes to make it at Old Trafford, especially with the likes of Ander Herrera and Juan Mata not being regulars.
But in his defence, Alvaro Morata has shown fringe players at Real Madrid can do it for a top-four Premier League club.
What is intriguing is Mourinho likes to sign players who are the finished product.
At 22, Milinkovic-Savic may not be exactly that, but his level is currently above Kovacic, perhaps purely down to his game time.
He would be more expensive and while £95m may be a lot of money, there’s no doubt United aren’t struggling for cash, so that large fee for the Lazio man wouldn’t worry them at all.
Out of the two, SMS could go straight into the starting XI and hit the ground running.
Kovacic would definitely need time to get up to speed after such limited match action so far this season, and that could ultimately sway Mourinho.