Lazio president responds to Man Utd's transfer 'interest' in Sergej Milinkovic-Savic

Lazio president Claudio Lotito insists Sergej Milinkovic-Savic is not for sale amid rumours linking him with both Juventus and Manchester United.

The Serbia international, 27, has impressed for Lazio this term, scoring 10 goals in 35 Serie A appearances from central midfield. He's played 292 games for the Italian giants since joining the club in the summer of 2015, winning their Player of the Season award last year.

Milinkovic-Savic is regarded as one of the best midfielders in Serie A - winning such an award in 2018-19 - and has picked up 30 senior caps for Serbia since making his debut in 2017. His honours at Lazio include the Italian Cup and two Italian Super Cups.

According to Transfermartkt, Milinkovic-Savic is valued at £63million - although prospective buyers would need to table a bid in excess of that figure due to his existing deal. The talent still has 25 months remaining on his Lazio contract.

And Lotito wants Milinkovic-Savic to stay in Rome beyond this summer. "You always talk about money, I [talk about] technical and personal qualities of my players," the Lazio chief told Goal. "Milinkovic is not for sale, I rate him a lot.

"I have never put him up for sale, is there a 'for sale' sign? In order to sign him, you need someone to sell him... I rate Milinkovic a lot, he is a game changer and we have a great relationship. If a big club comes in for him, I would ask the player what he wants to do.

"At my club, we prioritise the human over the financial [aspects]. When I received an offer of €140 million, I didn’t sell him. I am the only case in world history. Today there is an issue with regards to respect towards the man and player."

Milinkovic-Savic's agent Mateja Kezman told TuttoJuve the rumours