Liverpool ‘eye £44m move for Lazio’s Sergej Milinkovic-Savic to boost their faltering midfield’

Liverpool are reportedly weighing up a move for Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic this summer.

Jurgen Klopp is keen to strengthen his midfield ahead of next term after a disappointing 2022-23 campaign, which has left the club battling for a top four spot rather than the title.

Liverpool have shown significant interest in Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham, but are ‘increasingly unlikely’ to land the England international due to concerns about the transfer fee involved and the financial power of their rivals.

They could now turn their attention elsewhere, and one potential alternative is Milinkovic-Savic, according to Italian outlet Calciomercato.

The Serbian is approaching the end of his eighth season at Lazio but is yet to put pen to paper on a new deal, with his current contract set to expire next year.

They’ve been linked with Jude Bellingham, but there are concerns they will miss out on him

Jurgen Klopp could turn to Milinkovic-Savic instead to strengthen his midfield department

It’s understood that he is reluctant to leave the Serie A outfit on a free transfer in 2024, opening up the possibility that he could move on this year for a reduced fee.

Lazio have previously slapped a hefty price-tag on the Serbian star in an attempt to ward off interest, but it’s believed a fee in the region of €50m (£44m) could be enough to tempt them to sell this summer.

Arsenal and Juventus have also been linked with Milinkovic-Savic recently, and Calciomercato’s report claims the Italian giants could still make a move for the 28-year-old who is described as their ‘dream signing’.

However, it is felt a move abroad is more realistic for Milinkovic-Savic at this stage of his career, offering hope to Liverpool that they could sign him if they step up their pursuit in the coming months.

The Premier League club have three central midfielders out of contract this summer with Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner all coming to the end of their contracts. 

Arthur Melo’s disappointing loan deal from Juventus is also due to end in June.

Milinkovic-Savic could boost this area of the pitch for Klopp’s men having enjoyed a successful career in Italy which has seen him score 64 goals in 330 appearances for Lazio.

During his time in Rome he has won the Coppa Italia once, scoring in the final in 2019, and the Italian Super Cup twice.