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Sergej Milinkovic-Savic's Agent Dismisses Exit Talk Amid Man United Rumours

Matt Jones

The agent for Lazio's Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has dismissed speculation that the midfielder has agreed terms with another club amid links to Manchester United.

The Serbia international has been one of the standout performers in Serie A this season and has been linked with a number of high-profile outfits across Europe.

However, according to his representative—former Chelsea striker Mateja Kezman—Milinkovic-Savic has yet to agree or discuss terms with any potential suitors, per Lazionews.eu (h/t Ciaran Kelly of the Manchester Evening News).

"Lazio have three big games to go and nobody has talked about any negotiations at this moment," said Kezman. "The Biancocelesti have the opportunity to get their best result of recent years by qualifying for the Champions League. It's only normal there is enormous interest in Sergej between some top European clubs, but we do not have any agreement with any club."

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As noted by Kelly, there was speculation on Sunday that United had already agreed a deal to secure the signing of the 23-year-old.

The future of Milinkovic-Savic is set to be one of the major talking points in the transfer window this summer, especially if the Lazio man backs up his excellent club campaign with a strong showing for Serbia at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Alex Shaw of ESPN FC believes the Lazio man would be a shrewd acquisition for the Red Devils:

If Lazio were open to a deal, then you sense United wouldn't be the only club in the race, as he's been an irrepressible, positive presence in Serie A this term.

Stylewise, Milinkovic-Savic doesn't really lack in any area. He is capable defensively, as the Lazio star is energetic and tenacious, but his best work has been done when given licence to push on.

Milinkovic-Savic can hurt opponents in many different ways from advanced positions. The midfielder can barge forward with the ball, fire shots off at goal from distance and even dissect defences with intelligent passes.

As these numbers from OptaPaolo show, he's also getting better at timing his surges into the penalty area:

Per journalist Sam Street, the versatility the Serb has means he's adept at operating within a number of different tactical blueprints:

United would be an intriguing fit, as they already have a fine box-to-box midfield presence in Paul Pogba. Like Milinkovic-Savic, the Frenchman is at his best when he's unshackled, and it would be against Mourinho's usual principles to have two midfielders in his side given freedom to wander from their set position.

Still, there's huge potential within Milinkovic-Savic, and the power and poise he and Pogba would offer in midfield, with Nemanja Matic sweeping up behind them, is a scary prospect for the rest of the Premier League.

However, according to Kezman, there's a long way to go before any side strikes an agreement with Lazio or the player.

   

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