Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has said he will take some time to consider his options before making a decision over his future.

Milinkovic-Savic's Serbia side were knocked out of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia on Wednesday, as a 2-0 defeat to Brazil condemned them to third place in Group E.

After the match, with rumours rife over a potential move in the summer transfer window, Milinkovic-Savic was quizzed about whether he'd be leaving the Stadio Olimpico in the coming weeks, per Mediaset (h/t Stephen Creek of Goal).

"I'll return to Rome and I would be happy if I stay at Lazio, as I'm content there and I have a contract," he said. "I read something different in the papers every day, but I haven't thought about it yet. First, I'll rest for a bit, then we'll see."

Calciomercato provided further comments in which Milinkovic-Savic hinted he could be tempted away from Lazio this summer:

"Now I'm going back home, to Lazio, where I have a contract, then we'll see if I stay or leave. It depends on president [Claudio] Lotito and sporting director [Igli] Tare. I'll talk to them, the €150 million price tag is not a burden, but a motivation to do better.

"Every day I see a different team interested, it's a stimulus. Juventus is a great team, at the top in Italy. My brother also lives in Turin, the family is important to me. To the Lazio fans I would like to say that I've had three wonderful years, in any case, they will remain in my heart. Now I will head back to see if I will stay or leave.  Italy or abroad? I'll think about it in a few days."

As noted by Creek, a number of European football's biggest clubs have been linked with a move for the 23-year-old, including Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus. It's added that Milinkovic-Savic has been valued in the region of €100 million (£88 million).

Unfortunately for Serbia, the midfielder wasn't at his best for much of this World Cup. Milinkovic-Savic impressed in an opening win against Costa Rica, although in subsequent matches against Switzerland and Brazil, he struggled to make a mark.

The Scouted Football Twitter account outlined some of the issues he had and some of the weaknesses in his game:

Dermot Corrigan of ESPN FC suggested the midfielder did his chances of making a big move some harm with his displays:

To judge the player on the back of two underwhelming performances would be harsh, though. It would also be ignoring just how good the Lazio man has been for the Serie A side.

He was one of the standout players in the Italian top flight last season, providing the driving force behind Serie A's most potent attacking outfit. His ability to carry the ball, knit play together and provide a physical presence made him a threat for Lazio.

Also, Milinkovic-Savic added productivity to his game in the 2017-18 campaign, netting 12 times from his midfield berth and laying on three assists for team-mates. 

They were often spectacular strikes:

Speculation about the Lazio man appears set to run and run throughout the summer, although Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News suggested the Red Devils are wary of the valuation:

Should Milinkovic-Savic move on, his next club will be getting someone with remarkable physical and technical attributes. Given his age, there's still room for potential growth and longevity in midfield.

Lazio would be delighted if they could keep him around, as the team came agonisingly close to securing UEFA Champions League football last season. If Milinkovic-Savic was to move on, the capital club would have a huge hole to fill in midfield.