27 January 2024 , 09:19
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Manchester United failed with a €100million transfer bid for Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Lazio's former sporting director has confirmed.
The midfielder was routinely linked with a move to Old Trafford as he impressed in Serie A. The Serbian was Lazio's key man for eight years, making more than 300 appearances and winning the Coppa Italia in 2019.
His performances attracted the attention of United, though the Red Devils failed to ever get a deal over the line. But it appears they came close to getting hold of Milinkovic-Savic at one stage.
According to former Lazio chief Igli Tare, United submitted a huge offer for the Serbian. But the Italian side's president Claudio Lotito stood firm and decided to reject the bid, which was worth around €100m (£85m).
“Many untrue things have been said about Milinkovic-Savic, from his farewell on a free transfer to the fact that he didn't want to stay," Tare, who left his job at Lazio last year, told TV Play.
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"The only true thing is that Lotito rejected a very important offer, worth over 100 million euros, from Milan and Manchester United. I don't want to say too much about the lack of sale.
"Even if there was a question of budgets, but Lotito's choices were to maintain a strong team and respect the promises made to the coach. Let's not forget that in the year of Covid, Lazio was about to win the Scudetto."
HAVE YOUR SAY! Did Manchester United have a lucky escape by not signing Sergej Milinkovic-Savic? Comment below.
United came close to signing then Lazio star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic for £100m (Getty Images)Milinkovic-Savic did eventually depart the Stadio Olimpico, joining Al-Hilal for £34m last summer. As he made his move, Lotito insisted the Serbian had all but begged to be allowed to leave Italy.
"When someone leaves to go to Saudi Arabia their motivation is money, but you need to ask him why he wants to leave. I tried my best to keep him here but when he asks to go for his own personal reasons what can I do?" Lotito said.
"We were willing to extend his deal and increase his salary. At the end of the day it's the player who decides what to do with his life. He phoned me begging me to let him go."
The news of the failed bid for Milinkovic-Savic will serve as further evidence to Sir Jim Ratcliffe of the scale of the task he is facing. Ratcliffe is set to assume control of all football matters at Old Trafford once his deal for a 25 percent stake in the club is ratified.
Ratcliffe is keen to overhaul United's approach to recruitment after a number of big-money moves did not work out. And with Milinkovic-Savic struggling to settle in Saudi Arabia, the billionaire may be pleased United failed in their attempt to sign the Serbian.