Manchester United 'show concrete interest in Lazio star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic'

Manchester United are leading the race to sign Lazio's star midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, according to reports in Italy.

The Red Devils have long been linked with the Serbia international and are now making 'concrete signals' in their bid to finally land him.

Italian news outlet Calciomercato are claiming that Lazio value the 26-year-old at £58million (€70m) and that the player also has admirers at Juventus.

But it is the Premier League giants that are making the first moves for Milinkovic-Savic, who has former Chelsea striker Mateja Kezman acting as his agent.

While United are yet to make a formal bid, Calciomercato are claiming that the midfielder may be beyond Juventus' financial reach as it stands, allowing United to make a swoop for the former Genk man.

United's interim boss Ralf Rangnick is reportedly keen to bolster his midfield and that a move for Milinkovic-Savic could be made in the summer.

The report goes on to suggest that there is an 'informal agreement' between Lazio owner Claudio Lotito and Kezman over selling the midfielder to United.

United will be keen to replace Paul Pogba, who looks destined for the exit at Old Trafford.

Pogba, who is currently recovering from injury, has entered the final six months of his contract.

Reports that surfaced on Friday have suggested that he was offered fresh terms worth £500,000-per-week last summer.

But a spokesman for Pogba has issued a statement to Sportsmail to deny suggestions of a recently extended contract offer from United.

Milinkovic-Savic, meanwhile, has scored 44 goals and registered 37 assists in 213 Serie A appearances, which has seen him become one of the best midfielders in the league since arriving in the Italian capital back in 2015.

Milinkovic-Savic currently has two-and-a-half years left to run on his current deal.