Lazio president: Sergej Milinkovic-Savic better than Paul Pogba

Lazio president Claudio Lotito has insisted that Sergej Milinkovic-Savic is a much better footballer than Manchester United’s Paul Pogba. The Serbia international has been regularly linked with a move away from Rome this summer but Lotito has indicated that the midfielder is not for sale unless a significant offer is made before the transfer deadline.

Speaking to Corriere della Sera, he said: “Sergej is the best young player on world scene right now, with huge potential. I have not received any official bids from AC Milan or Juventus, let alone Madrid or United. Of course, I'm not pushing to sell him but if you ask me how much he is worth then I remember last year I turned down a €110m (£99m) offer. How much was Pogba sold to Manchester for? €105m? (£94.4m) Milinkovic-Savic is worth more because he is much better and stronger. And to be clear, I'm not really interested in loan-type arrangements either.”

Milinkovic-Savic had a strong season with“ Lazio last term where he contributed 14 goals and a further six assists across all competitions.“ Despite this, Lazio could not secure their aim of Champions League football after they were beaten to the fourth position by Inter Milan on the head-to-head record last season.

With the Italian transfer window closing on “Friday, Lazio have yet“ to receive any significant offers for the Serbia international and barring a late approach from the likes of Real Madrid, the midfielder appears more or less certain to remain with the club. Meanwhile, the Capital outfit have been offered a difficult start to the new Serie A season and they are scheduled to face Napoli in the season opener. Thereafter, they have another difficult challenge against reigning champions Juventus and a poor start may witness them lying at the bottom end of the standings.