Lazio president rules out Sergej Milinkovic-Savic sale

The midfielder is currently participating in his eighth season at Stadio Olimpico, establishing himself as one of the club's best players in their recent history.

Milinkovic-Savic has contributed 51 goals and 48 assists from 242 appearances in all competitions, collecting a Coppa Italia crown along the way.

However, the quality and consistency of the Serbia international has led to constant links to bigger European clubs, the expectation being that the 27-year-old will eventually take on a new challenge.

The likes of Real Madrid and Manchester United are known to be admirers of the player and will be aware that his current contract is due to expire in 2024.

However, while it would be assumed that Lazio may be considering a sale for a suitable fee in order to avoid losing their most prized asset on a free transfer in the future, Lotito is insisting otherwise.

The Italian club's president has stated that Milinkovic-Savic will be offered a new contract and that is value will only increase in the short term.

Speaking to Il Messaggero, Lotito said: "I will not sell Milinkovic-Savic, I will offer him a renewal.

"I reiterate, he is now worth €120m, and every month that passes, the price goes up."

Despite Lotito's claims, Mateja Kezman - the agent of Milinkovic-Savic has already revealed that no negotiations will take place until after the World Cup in Qatar.

That would theoretically leave Lazio with a short period to negotiate fresh terms with Milinkovic-Savic before the start of the next transfer window in January.

With Lazio enjoying one of their best starts to the season in recent years, Milinkovic-Savic may be happy to remain at I Biancocelesti for at least the remainder of 2022-23.

Maurizio Sarri's side have collected 24 points from their opening 11 matches in Serie A, putting them in third position and fifth points adrift of unbeaten leaders Napoli.

Milinkovic-Savic has played a direct part in 10 of Lazio's 23 goals, contributing three strikes and seven assists from 11 starts.