Manchester United won't have to fight off competition from Italian clubs if they make a move for Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic this summer.
The Serbia international has been in sparkling form for the Biancocelesti this season and scored a last-gasp equaliser to grab a 2-2 draw away to Juventus on Monday to clinch Europa League qualification for his team.
The Juve fans showed their appreciation by applauding Milinkovic-Savic, a player who has long been linked with the Turin club, but Sarri insists the 27-year-old won’t be joining a domestic rival.
“I hope they are applauding Milinkovic-Savic in our shirt next year too,” Sarri said at his post-match press conference.
“After speaking with the president, I’m convinced that if he leaves – something that won’t happen easily after the things I’ve heard the president say – he won’t go to a club in Italy”.
Lazio owner Claudio Lotito strikes a notoriously hard bargain, a trait that has helped the Roman club keep hold of their star midfielder since he arrived from Genk in 2015.
Milinkovic-Savic has long been linked with a move to Old Trafford, as well as PSG and Real Madrid, after developing into one of the standout midfielders in Serie A during his years in the capital.
The Serbia international has enjoyed the most prolific season of his career under Sarri this term, producing 11 goals and 11 assists from midfield.
Lazio just need one point from their final home game against Hellas Verona on Saturday to seal fifth place in Sarri’s debut season, but Milinkovic-Savic underlined after the Juve draw that reinforcements will be required to kick on further.
“I've improved in several aspects under the boss, I’ve scored 11 goals and made 11 assists, so I can say that this has been my best season. A few more players are needed to reach the Champions League,” the Serbian said.
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