Manchester United make opening £96m bid for Lazio star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic

Manchester United have made a £96million bid for Lazio star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic that could see the midfielder become the club’s record signing.

The Red Devils have watched the Serbian over a dozen times this term and believe they lead the likes of Barcelona and Juventus for his signature due to the midfielder’s close relationship with Nemanja Matic.

Jose Mourinho wants to play a three-man midfield next season and wants a replacement for Michael Carrick, who retired at the end of last season. He will demand a second midfielder if Maraouane Fellaini decides against signing a new deal.

United will attempt to complete as much of their business before the World Cup and have made a £96m bid plus bonuses for Milinkovic-Savic, according to Radio Sei.

Lazio are believed to value the midfielder at closer to £131m and their valuation threatens to scupper a deal. However, the report states that Milinkovic-Savic prefers a move to Old Trafford and wants to work with Jose Mourinho.

United’s opening bid would eclipse the £89m they paid for Paul Pogba in 2016 and the Red Devils are unwilling to spend the majority of their transfer budget on the Serbian.

Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fred is another target and United are confident of signing the Brazilian given the relative straightforward nature of the deal.

The Brazil star has a £53m release clause in his contract but United are wary of interest from Paris Saint-Germain.

Beyond midfield, Mourinho is expecting to strengthen at full-back and at centre-back, while a move for Champions League final hero Gareth Bale has also been touted.