LAZIO have admitted Manchester United target Sergej Milinkovic-Savic deserves Champions League football.
The 23-year-old Serbian midfielder’s future has come under increasing scrutiny since Inter Milan nabbed fourth spot on Serie A’s final day.
But while Lazio sporting director Igli Tare claims he is open to selling at the right price, he insists no offers have been made.
Albanian Tare, 44, told Sky Sport Italia. “The failed Champions League qualification doesn’t change things.
“We know what we must do and must improve on.
“We must put Simone Inzaghi in the condition to do well next season.
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“We’re talking about a player who deserves this stage. We don’t want to talk about figures, the market isn’t based on ‘if’ and ‘maybe’.
“At this moment, we have yet to receive an offer and when it arrives we’ll decide what to do.”
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Milinkovic-Savic – who scored 14 goals for Lazio last season – is likely to cost more than Paul Pogba’s then world-record switch.
Lazio owner Cllaudio Lotito explained: “I turned down €110m (£95m) for Milinkovic-Savic on August 29.
“So I don’t know how much he is worth now, but I can tell you €100m isn’t enough.
“I get angry when I read people call Lazio a supermarket. I’ve never put anyone up for sale. In the past they wouldn’t even knock on the door, clubs would just come and take, but now they have to ask for permission.”
United are believed to be keen on securing a move for the towering playmaker, whose agent Mateja Kezman won the Premier League with Jose Mourinho in 2005.
And with Milinkovic-Savic set to partner Nemanja Matic for Serbia at the World Cup, Old Trafford chiefs could have the inside track if they follow up their interest.
Mourinho is closing in on a deal for Brazilian ace Fred to replace Michael Carrick but has plenty more funds to build his squad.
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