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Football

06th May 2018

Manchester United agree £80m transfer fee for Serie A midfielder

He's one of the most sought after midfielders in the game

Reuben Pinder

He’s one of the most sought after players in Europe

Manchester United’s midfield troubles were grimly exposed during Friday’s defeat to Brighton. Once again we saw a huge over-reliance on Paul Pogba to create chances out of thin air. What’s clear is that new recruits are needed in the engine room for United and José Mourinho seems to have a deal wrapped up.

After productive negotiations last week, United have reportedly agreed an £80m deal for Lazio midfielder, Sergej Milinkovoć-Savić, according to the Sun on SundayThe Serbian will become the second most expensive midfielder ever after Paul Pogba arrived at Old Trafford two years ago.

That means that a midfield trio of Nemanja Matić, Paul Pogba and Milinković-Savić would have cost United approximately £210 in transfer fees, but it is essential that they bring in another body to play in central midfield given the imminent retirement of Michael Carrick and the almost certain departure of Marouane Fellaini.

The 23-year-old has impressed hugely for Lazio this season, with license to attack, scoring 14 goals in all competitions.

United would presumably rather conclude the deal before the World Cup, after which his price could inflate should he play well on the biggest stage.