The agent of Manchester United linked midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has explained the reasons behind his client staying at Lazio this summer.
The future of the Serbian midfielder was on the radar during the transfer window as some of the biggest clubs in Europe were interested in snaring him away from Lazio.
Mateja Kezman, the player’s agent, confirmed that Lazio rejected several offers on their table for the midfielder in the summer and it appears none of the clubs matched their financial expectations.
Manchester United reportedly backed off negotiations on learning about the money Lazio were demanding, but Kezman stressed that in the current market his client should cost at least €100m.
He also revealed that the player did not push for a transfer, which helped Lazio, who wanted to keep the player at the club in order to push for a Champions League spot this season.
Kezman told Italian told sports daily Gazzetta dello Sport: “Many looked at Sergej and we presented Lazio with a couple of very interesting offers.
“He could have earned a lot more elsewhere, in France they offered him €8m. If a goalkeeper goes for €70m to €80m, then Sergej cannot be anything less than €100m.
“He is one of the best players in Europe in his role and still has room for improvements.
“In the end, we accepted that the club didn’t want to sell him. They refused all the offers and we never pushed for a transfer.
“He is happy in Rome and Lotito and [sporting director Igli] Tare explained to us that they want to qualify for the Champions League and Sergej is a key player for the goal.
“It is also his goal.”
The midfielder is expected to sign a new and improved five-year deal with Lazio soon.
