Man Utd transfer blow as Juventus plot swoop for long-term target Sergej Milinkovic-Savic

MANCHESTER UNITED have suffered a blow in their pursuit of Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, according to reports.

The 28-year-old Serbian, whose contract runs until 2024, has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford for a number of years.

GettyMilinkovic-Savic, left, is being linked with a move away from Lazio[/caption]

But a transfer away from Lazio has never materialised and he has racked up 306 appearances for the Serie A side, scoring 62 goals.

In the summer, he was once again thought to be the subject of interest from Man Utd.

However, now Erik ten Hag’s men have serious competition when it comes to his signature.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Juventus will make an offer for the player in the January window.

It comes after a poor start to the season in which Max Allegri’s side sit eighth in the Italian top flight, 10 points behind early pacesetters Napoli.

They have also lost three of their four Champions League group stage games and are set to drop down to the Europa League.

Their 2-0 defeat to AC Milan in Serie A at the weekend once again showcased a weakness in the midfield.

And with Angel di Maria and Adrien Rabiot’s contracts expiring in the summer, reinforcements may be required if they are to start turning things around.

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It remains to be seen whether or not Lazio will decide to sell Milinkovic-Savic after they refused to offload him for any less than £88million just a few months ago.

His agent, former Chelsea striker Mateja Kezman, claimed in August that the midfielder wants Champions League football.

And this is thought to be the reason he rejected approaches from Arsenal and Newcastle in the summer.

Juventus are currently in Europe’s premier competition, but face a potential group stage exit from this season’s edition.

And they are already playing catch-up when it comes to qualification for next year, with Allegri’s men already seven points adrift of the top four.